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Knowing how to identify the cardinal directions can be useful for orienteering competitions, finding your way when you're lost, or even surviving in a tricky situation. There are simple techniques to figure out directions, and even without a compass or phone, you can still pinpoint north, south, east, and west.
Identifying North, South, East, and West
If you need a rough idea of the directions, face the sunrise. The east will be in front of you, north to your left, south to your right, and west will be behind you. Alternatively, you can face the sunset: the west will be ahead of you, north will be on your right, south to your left, and east will be behind you.
Steps
Shadow Stick Method
Gather your materials. Since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, its shadows move in the opposite direction. By observing how these shadows shift, you can determine the cardinal directions. For this technique, you will need:
- A straight stick that’s between two and five feet long
- A shorter stick, approximately one foot long
- Two rocks, stones, or objects heavy enough to resist wind.
Place your stick vertically into the ground. Position one of the rocks at the tip of the stick's shadow to mark its starting point.
Wait 15 to 20 minutes. The shadow will shift over time. Place the second rock to mark the new tip of the stick’s shadow.
- If possible, wait longer and place additional rocks to track the shadow’s movement.
Draw a line between the marks. Use the second stick or visually connect the two rock positions to form a straight line. Since the shadow moves opposite to the sun’s path, this line will indicate the east-west direction: the first mark represents west, and the second mark indicates east.
- Keep in mind that this method is approximate and may have a 23-degree variance near the equator during the solstices. The farther you are from the equator, the greater the variation. For example, on the first day of summer at 42 degrees latitude in the northern hemisphere, the sun rises approximately 33 degrees north of east. In winter, it rises 33 degrees south of east. On the first day of spring and fall, the sun rises directly due east everywhere.
If you struggle to remember the sequence of directions, begin with North and move clockwise using this helpful mnemonic:
Never Eat Soggy Waffles.
Alternatively, visualize a clock with North at the 12:00 position, East at 3:00, South at 6:00, and West at 9:00.
Shadow Dial Method
Prepare your materials. This technique resembles the shadow stick method but offers increased accuracy due to a longer observation period and a focus on equal time intervals before and after local noon. Find a flat surface and gather these tools:
- A stick or pole ranging from two to five feet in length
- A sharp small stick
- Two small rocks
- A long piece of string
Place the long pole into the ground. Make sure this step is completed before noon. Once the shadow of the pole reaches its endpoint, mark the spot with a rock.
Secure the string to the stick and pole. Attach the sharp stick to one end of the string, then connect the other end to the pole. Ensure the string is long enough to reach the rock on the ground. In this method, it’s crucial that the top of the stick, which casts the shadow, aligns directly above the part of the stick planted in the ground.
Draw a circle around the pole. Starting from the rock, use the sharp stick attached to the pole to trace a circle in the ground surrounding the pole.
Wait for the shadow to move. Once the pole's shadow reaches the circle again, mark the spot where it intersects with the second rock.
Connect the two marks. Draw a straight line between the first and second rocks, creating the true east-west line. The first rock marks west, and the second rock marks east.
- To find north and south from this line, north will be ninety degrees clockwise from west, and south will be ninety degrees clockwise from east.
Using Your Natural Surroundings for Navigation
Observe the sun at noon. The sun at noon can help you determine general directions such as north, south, east, and west, though it won’t give you exact north or south. In the Northern Hemisphere, walking directly toward the sun at noon will lead you south, while walking directly away from it will lead you north. In the Southern Hemisphere, the reverse applies: walking toward the sun leads you north, and walking away from it leads you south.
Use sunrise and sunset for approximate direction. The sun rises roughly in the east and sets in the west every day. By observing the location of the sunrise or sunset, you can estimate the cardinal directions. Facing the sunrise, you'll be looking east, with north on your left and south on your right. Facing the sunset, you're looking west, with north on your right and south on your left.
- Note that the exact positions of sunrise and sunset occur only on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the first day of spring and fall, when the sun rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west. On most days, the sun's location will only give you an approximation.
Observe the growth patterns of vegetation. While using vegetation to determine direction is not an exact method, it can provide a rough idea. North of the equator, the sun typically resides in the southern part of the sky, causing trees and bushes to have denser foliage on the southern side. In the Southern Hemisphere, the reverse is true, with more lush growth on the northern side.
- Although many guidebooks claim that moss grows only on the north side of trees in the Northern Hemisphere, this is not entirely accurate. Moss can grow on all sides of a tree, but it tends to be denser on the side with more shade (the north in the Northern Hemisphere and the south in the Southern Hemisphere).
Use an analog watch and the sun to determine direction. If you're lost and have a wristwatch, you can use it along with the sun to get an approximate idea of the cardinal directions. In the Northern Hemisphere, point the hour hand at the sun; the midpoint between 12 o'clock and the hour hand will point south. In the Southern Hemisphere, align 12 o'clock with the sun, and the midpoint between that and the hour hand will point north.
- When facing north, east will be on your right and west on your left. When facing south, east will be on your left and west on your right.
- For daylight saving time, use 1 o'clock instead of 12 o'clock.
- Ensure your watch is correctly set to local time. Keep in mind, this method has an error margin of about 35 degrees, so it's only useful for rough direction finding.
Navigating with Polaris (The North Star)
Spot Polaris. Polaris, also known as the North Star, is a useful tool for finding north in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s one of the quickest ways to navigate at night when a compass or GPS is unavailable.
- Polaris is not the brightest star in the sky (ranking 48th in brightness), but it stands out as the most prominent star between the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia. Due to its position near the North Pole, it remains relatively fixed in the sky, making it an accurate point for navigation.
Identify Polaris. Look for the Big Dipper (also called the Plough) and the Little Dipper (also known as Ursa Minor). Imagine the Big Dipper as a ladle, where the handle holds the cup, and the outer edge of the cup points towards Polaris. To confirm, Polaris is the final star that forms the handle of the Little Dipper.
Trace an imaginary line from Polaris to the ground. This line will indicate approximate true north. By facing Polaris, you will be facing north; behind you lies south, with west on your left and east on your right.
Using the Southern Cross for Navigation
Identify the Southern Cross. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross (also known as Crux) is a useful constellation for finding south. It consists of five stars, with the four brightest forming an angled cross pattern.
Use the Southern Cross to determine south. Locate the two stars that make up the long axis of the cross, and extend an imaginary line about four and a half times the length of the cross.
- At the end of this imaginary line, draw another line extending to the ground, which will indicate the general direction of south. When the cross is horizontal, the "four and a half times" mark will be within one degree of true south. If the cross is vertical or upside down, the mark will be about two and a half degrees (roughly the width of your thumb) from true south.
Pick a landmark to guide you. Once you've established the general direction of south, it can be useful to identify a specific landmark in that direction. This will help you maintain a reference point and ensure you don’t lose track of which way south lies.
Creating Your Own Compass
Collect your materials. A compass is a circular tool that indicates all cardinal directions with a rotating needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. However, you can create a basic version of a compass with just a few items. You will need:
- A metal sewing needle and a magnet
- A bowl or cup of water
- Pliers and scissors
- A cork (or alternatively, a leaf).
Magnetize the needle. Rub the needle against the magnet at least 12 times if you're using a weak magnet (like one from a refrigerator) or about five times with a stronger magnet. This will magnetize the needle.
Cut a small disk of cork. Use the pliers to carefully insert the needle through the center of the cork disk. If you don’t have a cork, a leaf can be used as an alternative base for the needle.
Place the cork disk in the center of the water-filled bowl. The needle will be able to spin freely like a compass needle and will eventually align itself with the Earth's magnetic poles.
Wait for the needle to stop moving. If the needle was properly magnetized, it will point along the north–south line. Keep in mind that without a compass or other reference, you won’t know whether the needle is pointing to true north or south, only that it’s indicating one of those directions.
- While some resources claim that rubbing a metal needle with wool or silk can magnetize it, this only generates static electricity, not magnetism.
Using Magnetic or Electronic Devices to Determine Direction
Determine your direction with a compass. Whether it's day or night, a compass, GPS, or a cell phone with these tools is the most reliable and straightforward way to figure out directions. These devices are also highly accurate, making them dependable methods. However, it’s important to note that a compass points to magnetic north, not true north (the same applies to magnetic south versus true south).
- The compass needle will adjust as you turn in different directions, showing you where you’re facing.
- Be aware that metal objects like keys, watches, and belt buckles, as well as magnetic materials such as certain rocks or power lines, can cause a compass to give false readings.
Use a global positioning system (GPS). A GPS is often the easiest way to determine direction or navigate, as it relies on satellites to track your location. A GPS can provide your current location, give directions to a destination, and monitor your movement. However, it’s crucial to ensure your GPS is charged, has a working battery, and has been initialized to ensure it is properly oriented and receives the most current maps.
- Turn on your GPS and allow it to acquire a signal.
- The GPS will not only display a compass for determining east, west, north, or south, but it will also show an arrow on the map that indicates the direction you’re facing.
- Your longitude and latitude coordinates will appear at the top of the screen.
- Be aware that tall buildings, large trees, and other physical obstructions can interfere with the GPS signal.
Turn your smartphone into a navigation tool. Many modern smartphones come with built-in compass and GPS functions, or you can install apps that add these features. To make use of the GPS on your phone, ensure it’s connected to Wi-Fi or a network, and that your GPS or location services are enabled.
- To find these tools, search for apps such as “compass,” “maps,” or “navigation.”
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If you’re heading out for a hike, always prepare with essentials like food, water, and at least a compass and map. It’s safer not to hike alone, but if you must, make sure someone knows your intended route and when you plan to return.
