Determining Direction (No Tools)

Overview

When you lack a compass, direction still comes from the sun, stars, and terrain. Use several cues together to reduce error. If cues conflict, stop and reassess rather than forcing a bad bearing.

Sun Methods

Use shadows and the sun’s daily path.

Shadow tip method (quick east–west line):

• Place a stick upright; mark the tip of its shadow (Mark A). Wait 15–30 minutes; mark again (Mark B).
• Draw a line A→B: in the northern hemisphere, A→B ≈ west→east; in the southern hemisphere, A→B ≈ east→west. Perpendicular to this line gives north–south.

Morning/evening heuristic:

• Morning: Sun is roughly in the east; shadows point roughly west. Evening: reverse.

⚠️ Caution: High latitudes and seasonal daylight changes reduce accuracy. Verify with at least one other cue.

Polarization hint (overcast)

• On bright overcast, polarized sunglasses may reveal faint dark bands 90° from the sun’s position due to sky polarization. Use as a weak cue alongside other methods; do not rely on it alone.

Polaris (Northern Hemisphere)

Find true north at night.

• Find the Big Dipper (Ursa Major). Draw a line through the two outer bowl stars ~5× their spacing to a moderately bright star: Polaris.
• Polaris sits close to true north (within ~1°). Face Polaris → you face north; east is right, west is left, south is behind you.
• Polaris altitude above the horizon ≈ your latitude (useful for rough location awareness).

📝 Note: Visual cue — The two outer bowl stars of the Big Dipper “point” about five times their spacing to Polaris (true north).

Southern Cross (Southern Hemisphere)

Find true south at night.

• Locate Crux (Southern Cross). Extend the long axis of the Cross ~4.5× to the south celestial pole (SCP).
• From the SCP, drop a line straight down to the horizon—that point is true south.
• Alpha and Beta Centauri (“the Pointers”) can help verify the long axis orientation.

📝 Note: Visual cue — Extend the long axis of the Southern Cross ~4.5× to estimate the south celestial pole, then drop to the horizon for true south.

Local Cues

Terrain and ecology sometimes hint direction. Treat as supporting, not primary.

• Prevailing winds shape snow cornices and sand ripples; leeward sides show deposition.
• Tree growth: In exposed areas, trees may be stunted or flagged on the windward side.
• Aspect: In many regions, south‑facing slopes (N. hemisphere) are warmer/drier; north‑facing are cooler/damper (reverse in S. hemisphere).
• Urban: Street grid orientation, satellite dishes often point toward equator (south in N. hemisphere, north in S.).

Lichen Myths vs Realities

“Moss grows on the north side of trees” is unreliable.

• Moisture, shade, and local wind patterns—not cardinal direction—govern moss/lichen.
• In ravines, near water, or shaded urban areas, growth can be on all sides.

📝 Note: Use biological cues only as a low‑confidence tie‑breaker alongside celestial or map cues.

☑️ Checklist — No‑Tools Direction

• Try for at least two independent cues (e.g., sun shadow + terrain aspect).
• Draw a quick ground sketch with your east–west and north–south lines.
• Mark your intended direction of travel and a backstop if you overshoot.
• Re‑check at set intervals or after 15–20 minutes of travel.

Examples

• Mid‑day, broken clouds: Build a shadow stick line, then pick a perpendicular line for north–south; choose a landmark along your bearing.
• Night, southern hemisphere: Use the Southern Cross long axis to find SCP, drop to horizon for south; set a landmark and walk to it, then pick the next.

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Key Takeaways

• Prefer celestial methods for cardinal directions; verify with terrain cues.
• Set visual “attack points” along your line to reduce drift over distance.
• If cues conflict, stop (STOP), rebuild the picture (OODA), and choose anew.

Scenarios

🧭 Scenario (Desert noon): The sun is high, shadows short. Wind carries sand from the west.
🔍 Decisions: Trust wind cue vs build a shadow stick; pick a landmark.
✅ Outcome: You build a quick A→B shadow line for east–west, choose a distant butte on your bearing, and walk leg‑to‑leg.
🧠 Lessons: Two cues beat one; pick attack points
🏋️ Drill: Practice shadow‑line in 20 minutes.

🧭 Scenario (Southern hemisphere night): You find the Southern Cross.
🔍 Decisions: Which way is south? Which landmark to pick?
✅ Outcome: Extend Crux, drop to horizon for south; you mark a dune and travel to it deliberately.
🧠 Lessons: Hemisphere‑specific methods matter
🏋️ Drill: Sketch Crux→SCP method from memory.