Field-Expedient Direction Finding

Using The Sun and Shadows

Step 1
place the stick or branch into the ground at level spot where it will cast a distinctive shadow. Mark the shadow's tip with a stone, twig, or other means. This first shadow mark is alwys west- everywhere on earth

Step 2
Wait 10 to 15 minutes until the shadow tip moves a few centimeters. Mark the shadow tip's new position in the same way as the first

Step 3
Draw a straight line trough the two marks to obtain an approximate east0west line

Step 4
Stand withe first mark (west) to your left and the second mark to your right-you are now facing north. this fact is true everywhere on earth

Using The Watch Method

In the northern hemisphere, hold the watch horizontal and point the hour hand at the sun. Bisect the angle between the hourhand and the 12 o'clock mark to get the north-south line. If there is any doubt as to which end of the line is north, remember that the sun rises is the east, sets in the west, and is due south at noon. The sun is in the east before noon and in west after noon

Using The Moon

We say there is a new moon or no moon when it is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun. Then, as it moves away from the earth's shadow, it begins to reflact light from it's right side and waxes to become a full moon before morning, or losing shape, to appear as a silver on the left side. you can use this information to identify direction. If the moon rises before the sun has set, the illuminated side will be the west. If the moon rises after midnight, the illuminated side will be the east.