This is the third post in my three-part series on navigating without a compass. In part one I described how you can use easily identifiable constellations to locate the north star, Polaris. In part two I showed how you can use an analog watch and the sun to quickly determine North and South. In this third part I will explain how to use the Shadow Stick Tip method to get a reasonably accurate reading of compass direction.
The sun always rises in the east and sets in the west, but not exactly due east or due west. In the northern hemisphere, the sun will be due south when at its highest point in the sky, or when an object casts no discernible shadow. In the southern hemisphere, this same noonday sun will mark due north. In the northern hemisphere, shadows will move clockwise. Shadows will move counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere. With practice, you can use shadows to determine both direction and time of day.
Shadow-Tip Method
Find a straight stick about three feet long. Look for a level spot on the ground that is free of brush and debris where it will cast a distinctive shadow. Place the stick or branch upright into the ground. Mark the shadow's upper most tip with a small stone, twig, or other means - I am using a small stick in this example. This first shadow mark is always west - everywhere on earth.
Wait for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until the shadow tip moves a few inches. Mark the shadow tip's new position in the same way as the first, you can see my second small stick.
Use your straight stick or, if possible, draw a straight line through the two marks to obtain an approximate east-west directional line. Now stand with the first mark (west) to your left foot and the second mark to your right foot and you will be facing in a northerly direction.
To test this, I placed my pocket compass in the direction I was standing to confirm that I was indeed facing north - as indicated by the red arrow on my compass. I should note that a compass gives a reading of magnetic north whereas this shadow stick method provides a reading of true north because it uses the sun. Even with that said, this technique provides a reliable and accurate method for quickly determining your direction with nothing more than the things laying around on the floor.
Do you use any other methods to navigate without the use of the compass?
Related Posts You Might Like:
- Using a Compass - The Basics
- Navigating Without a Compass - Part 1
- Navigating Without a Compass - Part 2
- Navigating Without a Compass - Part 3
6 comments:
I've heard of this technique, but didn't know how it was done, thanks for clearly explaining.
I went out to my garden to give it a try and sure enough it works. Like you said my compass pointed to magnetic north while the stick and sun method pointed to true north. cool!
Hi JJ, I'm glad to hear that this helped explain the technique for you. I was taught these techniques and more as a young Boy Scout in England and they've stuck with me ever since. I was surprised to learn how many fellow backpackers were not aware of this one and the other two I mentioned.
It's very handy knowledge to have with you in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need it.
The great thing about knowledge is that wherever you go, the skills go with you!
I learned this technique in scouts what seems like an eternity ago. While I always have a compass with me, I like to use this method from time to time just to keep the skills sharp. :) An expertly written article.. thank you!
Thanks Cody. I wrote this series of articles because I was shocked by how many of the people i run into that couldn't navigate well with a compass yet alone without one.
Like you, these were shown to me many years ago and because of their simplicity they have stuck with me.
Thanks for your kind words :-)
Thanks Brian,
Just a small comment, on the 3rd picture with the compass, maybe it would have better to turn the dial on the compass so the Red "N" also faces north, as this can/might confuse a novice. Thanks again, Marwan, Egypt.
Thanks Marwan, you're probably right. I had to take the photos in a bit of a hurry, so it would be fun to go back and update this with better photos. :-) How is the hiking in Egypt?
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