Buzz
Knowing how to identify the cardinal directions using various methods can help you succeed in orientation contests, find the right path when you need to change direction, and even save yourself if you get lost in the wilderness. There are many ways to figure out directions, and even without a compass or mobile phone, you can still determine the directions of East, West, South, and North.
Steps
Use a Stick Shadow
Collect materials. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West, so the shadow of the sun will always move in those directions. You can observe the movement of the sun's shadow to determine directions. This method requires:
- A straight stick about 0.6 to 1.5 meters long
- A stick approximately 30 cm in length
- Two stones or other objects (heavy enough to not be blown away by the wind).
Place a stick vertically into the ground. Mark the tip of the stick's shadow with a stone on the ground.
Wait for approximately 15-20 minutes. The stick's shadow will move. Use the second stone to mark the new position of the shadow's tip.
- If you have more time, you can wait further and mark the positions of the shadow's movement.
Connect the marked points. You can draw a straight line between the two points on the ground or use a shorter stick to link the points. The shadow will move in the opposite direction of the sun, so this line will mark the East-West direction: the first point represents the West, and the second point represents the East.
If you're unsure about the order of directions, start with North, move clockwise, and use the mnemonic:
'Bắt Đầu Nổi Tiếng'.
Alternatively, draw a clock with North at 12 o'clock, East at 3 o'clock, South at 6 o'clock, and West at 9 o'clock.
Use a sundial
Gather the materials. This method is similar to using a stick shadow but is more accurate because the observation period is longer. Choose a flat surface and collect the following materials:
- A stick around 0.6 - 1.5 meters in length
- A small sharp stick
- Two small stones
- A piece of string
Place a stick into the ground. This should be done before noon. Mark the spot where the shadow of the stick touches the ground with a stone.
Tie a string to the stick and the post. Attach the sharp stick to one end of the string, and tie the other end of the string to the post, ensuring the string is long enough to reach the stone on the ground.
Draw a circle around the post. Starting from the stone’s position, use the sharp stick tied to the post to draw a circle on the ground around the post.
Wait. When the stick’s shadow touches the circle again, mark that point with the other stone.
Connect the two points. The straight line joining the two stones represents the East-West direction, with the first stone indicating West and the second stone indicating East.
- To find North and South, remember that North follows West in a clockwise direction, and South follows East in a clockwise direction.
Orientation using the natural environment is an effective way to find your direction. In particular, you can rely on the sun's position for this purpose.
Observing the Sun at Noon. At noon, the sun can help determine the North-South direction, and from there, you can figure out East and West. However, it won’t give you an exact North or South direction. In the Northern Hemisphere, the path towards the sun at noon will lead you South, and moving away from the sun will point to the North. In the Southern Hemisphere, the reverse is true: facing the sun will point you North, while moving away will direct you South.
Using the Sun's Rising and Setting to Determine Relative Directions. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West, so these positions can help determine the cardinal directions. If you face the rising sun, you are facing East, with North to your left and South to your right. If you face the setting sun, you are facing West, with North to your right and South to your left.
- The positions of the sunrise and sunset provide a relative direction for 363 days of the year, as only the equinoxes (the first days of spring and autumn) have the sun rise exactly in the East and set exactly in the West.
Observing Plant Life. While observing plants is not considered a precise science, you can use it to estimate directions in a general way. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun typically shines from the South, and the reverse is true in the Southern Hemisphere. This means that in the Northern Hemisphere, the south-facing side of trees or shrubs tends to be denser and lusher. In the Southern Hemisphere, plants are usually more thriving on the north-facing side.
- Many guides suggest that moss grows on the north side of trees in the Northern Hemisphere, but this is not entirely accurate. While moss can grow on all sides of trees, it is true that moss tends to grow more thickly in shaded areas (the north side in the Northern Hemisphere and the south side in the Southern Hemisphere).
Using a Watch and the Sun to Calculate Direction. You can combine a wristwatch with the sun's position to find the cardinal directions relatively, in case you get lost in the forest but have a watch on you. In the Northern Hemisphere, you point the hour hand of the watch towards the sun. The midpoint between 12 o'clock and the hour hand will point to the South. In the Southern Hemisphere, if you adjust the 12 o'clock position to point towards the sun, the midpoint between 12 o'clock and the hour hand will indicate North.
- If you face North, East will be to your right, and West will be to your left. If you face South, East will be to your left, and West will be to your right.
- During summer in areas with daylight saving time, use 1 o'clock instead of 12 o'clock on the watch to determine direction.
- This method works only if your watch is correctly set to the current time. There can be an error of about 35 degrees, so it only gives a relative direction.
Using the North Star (Polaris) is an excellent method for navigation in the Northern Hemisphere. This star can guide you to find the Northern direction, making it one of the quickest ways to determine direction at night, especially if you lack a compass or GPS device.
Identifying the North Star. In the Northern Hemisphere, the North Star can assist in locating the North direction. It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and is situated near the North Pole, which means it remains relatively stationary and can provide an accurate indication of direction.
- The North Star is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and is located close to the North Pole, meaning it doesn’t move much, making it a reliable guide for orientation.
Finding the Position of the North Star. Look for the constellations Ursa Major (Big Dipper) and Ursa Minor (Little Dipper). Imagine Ursa Major as a water ladle; the farthest edge of the ladle’s body points towards the North Star. To confirm, you will notice that the North Star is the final star that forms the handle of the Ursa Minor constellation.
Drawing an Imaginary Line from the North Star to the Ground. This line will point you towards the North with relative accuracy. If you face directly North, the South will be behind you, West to your left, and East to your right.
Using the Southern Cross Constellation for orientation is a useful method for finding directions in the Southern Hemisphere.
Identifying the Southern Cross Constellation (Southern Cross). In the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross (or Crux) constellation can be used to determine the direction of South. This constellation consists of five stars, with the four brightest ones forming the shape of a cross.
Using the Southern Cross to Find South. Identify the two stars that make up the length of the cross, and imagine an extended line that is five times the length of the cross.
- At the end of this imagined line, draw a straight line downward toward the ground. This should approximately point toward the South direction.
Select a Landmark. After determining a rough direction of South, it's helpful to choose a landmark on the ground to avoid losing your sense of direction.
Making Your Own Compass
Gather Materials and Tools. A compass is a circular device that displays the cardinal directions. A movable needle is influenced by the Earth's magnetic field to point to the North. You can create a basic compass with a few materials. You'll need:
- A sewing needle made of metal and a magnet
- A bowl of water
- Pliers and scissors
- A cork (or just a leaf will do)
Rub the Needle Against the Magnet. Rub the needle at least 12 times if using a weak magnet such as a refrigerator magnet, or 5 times with a stronger magnet. This rubbing action will magnetize the needle.
Cut the Cork into a Circular Shape About 0.5 cm Thick. Then, use pliers to push the needle through the cork. (If you don’t have cork, you can place the needle on a leaf instead).
Place the Cork in the Center of the Bowl of Water. The needle will rotate freely, just like the needle in a compass, and will eventually align with the Earth's magnetic poles.
Wait for the Needle to Stop Spinning. If the needle is magnetized, it will point towards the North-South direction. Keep in mind, unless you have a compass or another reference object, you won’t know if the needle is pointing to the North or the South, only that it’s pointing in one of the two directions.
- Many websites and materials claim that rubbing the needle on wool or silk can magnetize it, but this actually only creates static electricity, not magnetism.
Determine Direction Using Magnets or Electronic Devices
Using a Compass to Find Directions. Whether it's day or night, a compass, GPS, or mobile phone is the most reliable and simplest way to determine direction. These devices are also the most accurate, making them some of the most dependable methods. One important thing to note is that when the compass needle points North, it indicates the magnetic North Pole, which differs from true North (similarly, the magnetic South Pole differs from true South).
- As you rotate the compass in different directions, the needle will also rotate and point to where you are facing.
- The compass may show incorrect directions when near metal objects like keys, watches, and belt buckles, or when close to magnetic materials such as certain rocks or power cables.
Using Global Positioning System (GPS) Devices. There's no denying that GPS devices are the easiest way to find your direction or navigate, as they use satellites for positioning. A GPS can tell you where you are, provide directions to a specific location, and track your movement. GPS devices require a fee and batteries to operate. They also need to be activated before use to determine their location and download the most up-to-date maps.
- Turn on the GPS to receive the necessary signal.
- In addition to a compass for cardinal directions, GPS devices also display an on-screen arrow showing where you are facing.
- Your coordinates, including longitude and latitude, will appear at the top of the screen.
- Since GPS operates via satellites, tall buildings, large trees, and other geographical structures may interfere with the signal.
Turning Your Phone into a Navigation Device. Most smartphones come equipped with a compass, GPS, or both. You can download apps or install software to enable these features on your phone. To use GPS on your phone, you need to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and make sure the GPS or other location services are enabled.
- Look for apps like 'Compass', 'Maps', or 'Navigation' to use these features on your phone.
Tips
- If you plan to go on a hike, always bring food, water, and at least a compass and a map. Avoid going alone, but if you must, make sure to let someone know where you are going.
