How can you apply natural navigation skills to hiking expeditions?

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Reading the Sun The sun is a reliable tool for navigation, and by knowing its position in the sky at different times of the day, you can determine direction. At solar noon, the sun is due south in the northern hemisphere, and at this time, you can use the sun’s shadow to estimate direction. Hold a stick or a ruler vertically and mark the end of the shadow with a small rock. Wait for a short period, and mark the new end of the shadow. Draw a line between the two marks, and the midpoint will indicate south. This method is known as the “gnomon method” and can be used to estimate direction within 10-15 degrees of accuracy.
Reading the Stars In the northern hemisphere, the North Star (Polaris) is located nearly due north and can be used as a reference point for navigation. By finding the Big Dipper constellation, you can locate the North Star by drawing an imaginary line through the two stars at the end of the “bowl” and continuing for about five times the distance between the stars. The North Star will be located almost due north. This method is known as the “asterism method” and can be used to determine direction with high accuracy.
Reading the Landscape Observing the natural environment can also provide valuable information for navigation. For example, mountain ridges often run north-south, and the direction of the ridges can be used to estimate direction. Additionally, north-facing slopes tend to be cooler than south-facing slopes, and by observing the location of vegetation or snow, you can get an idea of the direction of north. By combining these methods, you can increase your accuracy and stay on course during a hiking expedition.