A straight stick that’s between two and five feet long A straight stick that’s about one foot long Two rocks, stones, or other objects (heavy enough that wind won’t blow them around).
If you can wait longer, do so, and place more rocks to mark the changing shadow.
Note that this method is only approximate, and can be off by 23 degrees or so at the equator on the first day of winter or summer. The variance will be more the farther you get from the equator. For instance, the sun will rise about 33 degrees north of east on the first day of summer at 42 degrees latitude in the northern hemisphere and 33 degrees south of east on the first day of winter. It rises due east on the first day of spring and fall all over the world. [2] X Research source
A stick or pole that’s two to five feet long One small sharp stick Two small rocks Something like a long string
To find north and south from this point, north will be ninety degrees clockwise from west, and south will be ninety degrees clockwise from east.
The location of sunrise and sunset only provide an approximate idea of direction 363 days of the year, because the sun rises due east and sets due west only on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (the first day of spring and fall). [4] X Research source
Many guidebooks will note that moss only grows on the north side of a tree in the Northern Hemisphere, but this is not true. However, while moss can grow on all sides of a tree, it is true that it will often be denser on the side that is shadier (the north in the Northern Hemisphere and the south in the Southern Hemisphere).
When you are facing north, east is on your right and west is on your left. When you are facing south, east is on your left and west is on your right. During daylight saving time, use one o’clock instead of 12 o’clock on the watch. [8] X Research source For this method to work, your watch must be set for the correct time. It can also have a margin of error of about 35 degrees, so this method is only reliable for an approximate idea of direction. [9] X Research source
Polaris, or the North Star, is not one of the brightest stars in the night sky (it clocks in at 48th brightest). It is, however, the brightest star between the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia. Because it’s located in the sky around the North Pole, it doesn’t move around much, meaning it’s useful and accurate for navigating.
When you reach the terminus of that imaginary line, draw another imaginary line that extends to the ground. This is, in general, the direction of south. When the cross is lying horizontal, the “four and a half times” mark will be less than one degree from true south. When the cross is vertical or upside down, the mark will be about two and a half degrees (about a thumb’s width) from true south. [12] X Research source
A metal sewing needle and magnet A bowl or cup filled with water Pliers and scissors A cork (or just a leaf).
Many websites and books say that you can magnetize a metal needle by rubbing it with wool or silk, but that will only create static electricity, not magnetism.
As you spin around in different directions, the compass needle will spin as well, indicating which direction you are facing. A compass will give false readings around metal objects like keys, watches, and belt buckles. The same is true for magnetic objects, such as certain rocks or power lines.
Turn on your GPS, and allow it to load and acquire signal. Not only will the GPS have a compass you can use to determine which way is east, west, north, or south, but on its map it will also have an arrow that points in the direction you are facing. Your coordinates will appear at the top of the screen, also giving you your longitude and latitude. Because a GPS navigates using satellites, tall buildings, large trees, and other geographic structures can interfere with its signal.
To access these devices, look for apps called “compass,” “maps,” or “navigation. ”
