Hiking and falling behind the group? It's not such a rare situation. If you know how to navigate the terrain, you can return home without any problems. Of course, provided that you know in which direction from the city you went. The simplest and most well-known method is compass orientation. The magnetic needle always points north. Of course, the compass may not always be at hand at the right time. However, there are other ways to determine the cardinal points. It is important not to get lost and remember everything you know about orienteering.
Instructions
Step 1
In clear weather, be guided by the sun. Turn your back on him. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, then your shadow will point to the north, and if in the Southern Hemisphere, then to the south. It is also helpful to remember that sunrise and sunset changes with the seasons. In summer, it rises in the northwest and sets in the north. In spring and autumn it rises on, and sits in the west.
Step 2
You can use a watch instead of a compass. Place them on a horizontal surface so that the hour hand points to the Sun. Mentally draw a line from the center of the clock to the number 1. Divide the angle between it and the "solar" line in half. This line will indicate the direction to the north-south. Note that in the morning, south is to the right of the Sun, and in the second to the left.
Step 3
At night, you can tell by the stars. Find the constellation Ursa Major - seven bright stars arranged in a bucket shape. Through the two extreme ones up in a straight line, set aside a distance five times greater than between them. The bright star at the end of the line is Polar. Face her. You are now looking north. In the Southern Hemisphere, be guided by the Southern Cross, a constellation of four bright stars forming a cross. The line through its long axis points to the south.
Step 4
If you are in the woods, look around. Trees, grass, berries - everything can help you. You just need to know what to look for. Examine the trees. On the south side, the branches are longer, thicker, more resin. On the north side, a dark stripe can be seen along the trunk. It is clearly visible on birches. The northern side of the trees is more covered with moss than the southern side.
Step 5
Find an anthill. It is located on the south side of a tree or bush. We went out into the clearing - take a closer look. On the south side the grass is thicker and higher, and on the north it is fresh. Wild berries ripen faster on the south side. But the snow thaws faster in winter from the north. Guided by natural signs, do not make hasty conclusions after examining only one tree or an anthill. Look around carefully and you will find many signs to help you navigate.
