Finding Direction Without a Compass

Shadow-stick method

1. Place a straight stick vertically in level ground where it casts a clear shadow.
2. Mark the tip of the shadow.
3. Wait about 15 to 30 minutes and mark the new shadow-tip position.
4. A line from the first mark toward the second runs approximately west to east because the shadow tip generally moves eastward as the sun moves westward across the sky.
5. Use that east-west line to estimate the north-south direction.

• A longer waiting period and a level site generally improve the result. This is still an approximation, especially at high latitudes or unusual times of year.

Equal-shadow method

For a more deliberate solar method, place a vertical stick in level ground during the morning and draw an arc or circle through the tip of its shadow. Later in the day, mark the point where the shortening and then lengthening shadow reaches the same arc again. A line connecting the two equal-length shadow points approximates east-west.

Using an analog watch

The watch method can provide a rough north-south line when the sun is visible, but it is less reliable near the equator and is affected by time-zone position and daylight-saving time. In the Northern Hemisphere, hold the watch level and point the hour hand toward the sun. The direction roughly halfway between the hour hand and 12 o’clock provides the north-south line. If daylight-saving time is in effect, many references use 1 o’clock instead of 12. Treat the result as an estimate, not a precision bearing.

Finding Polaris at night

In the Northern Hemisphere, Polaris, the North Star, lies very close to true north. Locate the Big Dipper and find the two stars forming the outer edge of its bowl. Imagine a line through those “pointer stars” and extend it about five times their separation to reach Polaris. Drop an imaginary line from Polaris to the horizon for approximate true north.

Improvised magnetic needle

A steel needle can be magnetized by repeatedly stroking it in one direction with a magnet, then floated on a small leaf, piece of foam, or other support in still water. If it turns freely, the needle may align roughly north-south. You still need another clue to determine which end is north. This is best treated as a demonstration or backup experiment rather than a substitute for a real compass.