Let’s talk old-school navigation

[Alan]

Hey everyone, I'm wondering how many of you still get around without GPS. Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are? It's a good skill to have. So if you've got any tips, tools or stories about getting lost and finding your way back? Share here

 

[Trailzz]

Okay, so one summer I tried to find my way using just an old map and the sun. I messed up and went 50 miles past my turn and had to get directions from a peach seller to get back on track

 

[Alan]

Okay, so one summer I tried to find my way using just an old map and the sun. I messed up and went 50 miles past my turn and had to get directions from a peach seller to get back on track

Do you know how to now?

 

[Jim0001]

We used topo maps and compasses, both in the Army and the Boy Scouts. Batteries go dead!

 

[sterlingguy01]

We tend to rely too much on GPS devices. Pull out your compass and practice using it on one of the orienteering courses found in local parks. Navigating with map and compass is a rank advancement requirement for Scouts, and one all of us should practice.

 

[Virginia 01]

The sun's position in the sky is only convertible to a precise direction if you know your latitude and the calendar day and of course the time, and then have the tools to interpret that data.

If you make a shadow stick and plot the sun's shadow every day for a year, you will be shocked by how much change is apparent in the rise and fall of the sun, (which of course is not really the Sun's motion, it is the earth's) and that doesn't even take into a account your changing latitude when you travel.

 

[sterlingguy01]

The sun's position in the sky is only convertible to a precise direction if you know your latitude and the calendar day and of course the time, and then have the tools to interpret that data.

If you make a shadow stick and plot the sun's shadow every day for a year, you will be shocked by how much change is apparent in the rise and fall of the sun, (which of course is not really the Sun's motion, it is the earth's) and that doesn't even take into a account your changing latitude when you travel.

Actually, you can determine precise cardinal directions from the sun using only a stick and two stones. Poke the stick vertically into the ground. Place a stone to mark the end of the stick's shadow. Wait about half an hour and use the second stone to mark the shadow's new position. Draw a line between the first and second stone. That line will run precisely east and west. A line bisecting the east/west line at right angles will run precisely north and south.

 

[Virginia 01]

Sorry, should have been more specific. I was pointing this out to Trailzz, who was obviously driving when he went 50 miles out of his way.
Clumsily, I didn't even scroll up far enough to see the OP begin the thread, I thought that Tailzz was the opening remark. Using the sun's position while driving is hardly a serious direction and location finder, outside of the vague notion of compass points.

 

[Alan]

We tend to rely too much on GPS devices. Pull out your compass and practice using it on one of the orienteering courses found in local parks. Navigating with map and compass is a rank advancement requirement for Scouts, and one all of us should practice.

GPS is handy but real navigation skills with a map and compass are priceless. It’s good practice and builds confidence when tech inevitably fails