Navigation & Signalling
Sun & star orientation
Pre-compass cultures used solar arcs and star paths; still useful when electronics fail.
At a glance
Energy investmentLow energyObservation only—until you start marching.
ReliabilityMedium reliability
Time15–30 minutes for a bearing sense
Materials
- Clear sky
- Stick shadow method
- Northern/Southern hemisphere star knowledge
Steps
- 1Shadow-stick: mark tip shadow; wait 15+ minutes; the line approximates east–west.
- 2At night, find your latitude’s reference stars if you know them.
- 3Confirm with terrain—never trust a single cue.
- Overcast sky
- Magnetic anomalies near metal (if using compass later)
- Confusing hemisphere star rules
Region fit
Best in: Desert, Mountains, Coast & swamp · Poor in: Temperate forest, Tropical jungle, Snow & ice
Temperate forestPoor fit Tropical junglePoor fit DesertGood fit MountainsGood fit Snow & icePoor fit Coast & swampGood fit
Fit keyGood fitPoor fitAvoid
Other methods
Rate yourself
Take the PSR assessment and score this skill honestly.