Buzz
Being able to navigate without a compass is a valuable survival skill when you're out in nature. It helps you avoid becoming lost, prevents you from wandering aimlessly, and saves time. The key is to use the environment around you. Although it can be challenging in overcast conditions or poor weather, mastering a variety of techniques will ensure you're prepared for any situation.
Steps
Using the Sun for Navigation
Track the sun's position. In the afternoon, the sun typically sets in the west, while in the morning, it rises in the east. From there, you can estimate the general directions of north and south.
- At midday, it might be harder to pinpoint the sun's exact path, so a little extra effort will be needed to determine your bearings.
Choose a flat, open space. Look for an area on the ground that is free from shade. Direct sunlight is essential for casting a shadow.
- If possible, use a dirt patch instead of grassy areas. Grass can obscure the shadow and make it harder to observe and mark accurately.
Pick a stick. The stick should be at least three feet tall. Plant it firmly in the ground so that it stands upright. Place a stone or another stick at the end of the shadow. Wait for about 30 minutes before checking again.
Monitor the shadow's position. After approximately 20 minutes, observe how the shadow shifts. As the sun moves, the shadow will change length. Mark the new position of the shadow’s tip with another stone. If time allows, repeat this step to add more reference points, as it will help you more accurately determine your direction.
Draw a line connecting the markers. This line indicates the east-west direction. The first shadow tip you marked is always pointing west, while the last one marks east. Draw a perpendicular line through the first line to indicate north and south.
- Alternatively, stand with your left foot at the first marker and your right foot at the second. Your body will face north.
Using the Stars for Navigation
Identify the North Star. On clear nights in the northern hemisphere, locate Polaris, which is situated in the handle of the Little Dipper. Facing this star will point you directly north. The North Star remains fixed in the night sky, so once you recognize it, you’ll always know which direction is north.
- You can also find the North Star using the Big Dipper constellation. The Big Dipper resembles a ladle, with a handle and a cup. The two stars on the outer edge of the cup are called pointer stars. Measure the distance between these stars and extend the line from the bottom of the cup through the lip star, continuing for about five times the distance between the two pointer stars. If a star appears at the end of this line, that's Polaris. If the sky is cloudy, you’ll still be within three degrees of true north.
- Another method is to spot the five stars that form the “W” shape in the Cassiopeia constellation, directly opposite the North Star from the Big Dipper.
- In the southern hemisphere, the Southern Cross constellation can help you locate south.
Get two long sticks. One stick should be slightly longer than the other. If you can’t find Polaris, use the tips of the sticks to align with any visible star. By tracking the star’s movement across the sky, you can determine your orientation.
Choose a flat, open area on the ground. Find a location that allows enough room to stand and position the sticks a few feet apart. Ensure you have a clear view of the night sky.
Position the sticks a few feet apart in the ground. Ensure that both sticks stand upright.
- Start by placing the shorter stick in the ground.
- Align a star in the sky.
- Then, place the taller stick in the ground, ensuring the tip lines up perfectly with the first stick and the star.
Check the positions after 15 or 20 minutes. Examine the tips of the sticks and observe how the star’s position has shifted.
- If the star has moved to the left, you’re facing north.
- If the star has moved to the right, you’re facing south.
- If the star has shifted higher, you’re looking east.
- If the star has descended, you’re facing west.
- The star may have shifted diagonally, such as upwards and to the right. In this case, you’ll need to estimate your southeast direction based on how far the star moved in each direction.
Using Time for Navigation
Place your analog watch flat on the ground. To use this method, you need a watch with hour hands—not a digital one. Make sure your watch is functioning properly and set to the correct time.
- Note: This technique works best between 40 and 60 degrees north or south of the equator. The closer you are to the equator, the less reliable this method becomes.
- If you only have a digital watch, you can draw a circle on the ground with a stick to represent the watch.
Align the hour hand with the sun. Turn your body so that the hour hand points directly at the sun.
- In the southern hemisphere, aim the twelve o'clock position of the watch toward the sun.
- If you're drawing the "watch" on the ground, draw a line toward the sun. In the northern hemisphere, this represents the hour hand, while in the southern hemisphere, it represents the twelve o'clock position. The minute hand is not relevant in this method. In the northern hemisphere, draw the line to twelve, while in the southern hemisphere, point the line toward the current hour.
Examine your watch. Identify the midpoint between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark on your watch. In the northern hemisphere, this line points south, while in the southern hemisphere, it points north.
Using Landmarks for Navigation
Identify nearby landmarks. Look for natural landmarks like mountains, rivers, or lakes. Manmade landmarks such as roads, buildings, or bridges are also helpful.
- You can also align one landmark with another further away. Keeping the closer landmark in line with the distant one ensures you stay on course as you move forward.
- If you have a map, orient it to face the same direction you're traveling. Usually, north is at the top of the map.
- It might seem easy to walk straight, but without a way to check your bearings, people often end up walking in circles, thinking they're heading straight ahead.
Head toward a landmark. Upon reaching it, mark the spot where you started from by scratching a line in the dirt with a stick.
Spot a new landmark ahead of you. Look for distinguishing features like a hill, a tall tree, or any noticeable object in the direction you’re going. Make sure it aligns with the line you’ve drawn in the dirt. Continue moving toward it.
Repeat the process. When you reach the new landmark, look back at the previous one and draw another line in the dirt. Identify the next landmark in front of you and align it with your line. This method helps you maintain a straight path, preventing you from getting lost.
Observe the trees. Moss typically grows on the north side of trees. Deciduous plants are often found on the southern slopes of hills, while coniferous trees grow on the northern slopes. In the southern hemisphere, these patterns are reversed. While plant life can help guide your direction, it’s not always precise, so use this as a supplementary method when others fail.
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If cloud cover or adverse weather conditions obscure the sky, it's best to stop and wait for clearer conditions. This will allow you to regain your bearings once the weather improves.
