How can you use your body for orientation in the field?

Reading the Sun

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. During the day, observe the shadow of an object to determine the direction of the sun. In the northern hemisphere, the North Star (Polaris) is visible in the night sky, and it is nearly aligned with the Earth’s axis. This makes it a reliable indicator of direction. At noon, the sun is due south in the northern hemisphere, and you can use this to estimate your direction.

Using Landmarks and Shadows

Pay attention to familiar landmarks such as mountains, rivers, and buildings. In the morning, the shadow of a tall object will be longer than in the afternoon. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, which means that the shadow of an object will point towards the south. Observe the direction of the shadows of objects in the environment, and use them to estimate your direction.

Recognizing Signs of Wind Direction

Observe the direction of blowing leaves, smoke, or dust to determine the wind direction. In the northern hemisphere, the wind usually blows from the west and northwest. Recognize signs of wind direction, such as the direction of blowing leaves or the movement of clouds, to help you estimate your direction.