subject: How to Survive in the Wilderness - Figure Out the Direction [print this page] How to Survive in the Wilderness - Figure Out the Direction
In outdoor activities, it is necessary to master the methods of positioning and lateral to determine the location and direction such as the geological survey, mountain climbing, hiking, adventure, travel, etc. It can also help to prevent us getting lost. In nature, there are some animals that have the instinct to identify the direction, such as pigeons. However, most people do not have this ability although they the kind of potential. As a result, it mainly depends on the experience and tools to determine the direction of the field. There are many ways to determine the direction and location in the field, here are some common methods.
(A) Make full use of the sun to figure out the direction.
It is very easy to know where the east is and where the west is according to the sunrise and sunset, which mean we can also determine the directions. However, here are some more accurate methods to determine it.
The method of using watch
It is very easy to distinguish the directions from 9am to 4pm. The method is that you can put half of the time under the direction of the sun, and then the direction of the 12 o'clock degrees is to the north. For example, the half time of 14:40 pm is 7:20am, and then put the hour needle to the direction of the sun, then the number 12 in the watch refers to the north.
Notes to this methods: (1) make sure the watch is set to be flat; (2) it is not proper to use the method before and after noon between the south and north latitude 2030', which means that it is the take the longitude as standard. It should plus 1 hour for every 15 east and reduce 1 hour for every 15.
(B) The night stars help find the direction
It is wise to use stars to determine the direction according to the North Star and Southern Cross Star
1. Polaris
Polaris is in the true north in the sky. It will be very easy to find the Polaris in that its angle is equivalent to the latitude that you are standing. And it is usually based on the Big Dipper (Urea Major) or W stars (Cassiopeia) to position it.
Big Dipper is made up of seven bright stars with the shape of a spoon. You will find the North Star by connecting the first two to and extending about 5 times of the length. When you could not see the Big Dipper, you can find the North Star according to W.
Cassiopeia is made up of five bright stars with the shape of a "W" letter. The North Star is at the twice distance of opening width at the direction of the letter.
2. Southern Cross
We could see Southern Cross in the south area of the north latitude 2330' at night. It is made up of four bright stars like the shape of cross. And it will be due south direction four times the length of the connection by the to .
In fact, there are many other ways to find the direction in the wilderness such as analyze the characteristics of surface features and plants, make a Simple Compass, etc. It is hoped that any camper could find their way in the wilderness.
