Methods of orientation on the ground. How to navigate the compass and the terrain using natural signs Local signs of orienteering by moss

There is always a situation when you get lost, find yourself in an unfamiliar area and you have to determine your location. You can get lost in the forest, find yourself in an unfamiliar city without a map and a navigator. It's all good if a local resident is nearby and can tell you your location. But if there is no one nearby, then you will have to use your own knowledge and skills of orienteering on the ground. Even your life may depend on the ability to navigate the terrain in extreme situations.

Types of orientation on the ground

Types of orientation on the ground can be divided into general and detailed.

General orientation on the ground is a rough definition of the location. As a rule, such orientation occurs at times when you do not have a map and you are guided only by settlements, roads and other landmarks. The accuracy of such an orientation is always approximate, it is never possible to accurately determine the distance and time it will take to reach a certain point.

Detailed orientation, as the name implies, helps to determine your location with a fairly high accuracy. Orientation occurs with the help of a map, instruments.

Skills for orienteering

For orientation on the ground, the following skills are required:
- Reading the map. You need to know and be able to read maps, be able to use symbols.
- Be able to find landmarks on the ground and correlate them with the map.
- Be able to use a compass to determine the cardinal points and direction of movement.
- Calculate the distance on the ground using the map.

Ways of orientation on the ground

There are several ways to navigate the terrain:

- With the help of a map. With this method of orientation, you can determine the location with a fairly high accuracy. But certain knowledge and skills are required to read the map.

- By compass. With this method of orientation, only cardinal directions can be determined.

— No map or compass. The most extreme way of orienteering. Orientation occurs according to natural signs, the sun, stars.

Features of orientation at night

There are often conditions that make it difficult to determine your location. There may be a situation when you have to move and navigate at night. At night, many landmarks are not visible, it is difficult to determine the distance.

Before night orientation it is necessary to carry out very careful preparation. It is necessary to determine the landmarks that can be distinguished against the background of the night sky. Such landmarks must be marked along the entire route every 3 km.

When orienting at night, it is necessary to use a compass and a map with pre-marked landmarks and azimuths for each leg of the journey. It is also necessary to carefully study the route before starting the movement.

Don't forget to bring a flashlight with you to illuminate the map. It is desirable to have a blue light filter on the lantern, so it will be less dazzling when checking with the map.

If you do not have a map, then you can navigate by the moon and stars. IN this case it should be borne in mind that the stars are moving, only the North Star remains in place. So, for example, when orienting on the Moon, it should be taken into account that every hour it will shift by 15º to the right, so you need to make appropriate corrections.

Orientation in the mountains

Often orientation on the ground is complicated by certain natural conditions, which may limit visibility. Fog, snowfall, downpour can make it difficult to move. In such cases, orientation occurs like a night. In addition to poor visibility, your instruments may be subject to interference. In the mountains, magnetic anomalies can occur that can distort the compass readings.

When orienting in mountainous areas, it is necessary to be able to determine the cardinal points according to natural features. It is worth remembering that moss and lichens grow on the north side of the stones. Oak and pine dominate on the southern slopes of the mountains. Spruce and beech prefer to grow on the northern slopes.
In the mountains, as landmarks choose high peaks, cliffs, bridges, buildings. It is desirable to move in mountainous areas along trails.

How to navigate in the desert

Orientation in the desert is complicated by the fact that there are few local landmarks and they are located at great distances from each other. Therefore, the heavenly bodies will have to navigate.

You can also navigate along the caravan routes, traces of animals.

If you are going to camp in the desert, leave a mark that will show the direction of your movement.

How to navigate in the village

In the village, it is often difficult to navigate due to the limited view. When laying a route through a settlement, it is necessary to make it as straightforward as possible, to reduce the number of turns. As landmarks, choose objects that are easy to spot: monuments, bridges, churches, businesses, skyscrapers.

Destroyed areas are of particular difficulty for orientation. In such cases, it is better to use the navigator. As landmarks, choose objects that cannot be destroyed. Rivers, hills, roads are suitable for this.

In winter, when the snow hides the relief, it is recommended to use a compass.

Determination of distances on the ground

If you do not have the necessary instruments to accurately determine the location and distance to the next point, then you need to be able to do this by eye. You can also determine the distance by sound.

It is worth considering the following features:
- large objects that are brightly lit or have a bright color appear much closer to dimly lit small objects that may be at the same distance
- in case of poor visibility in fog, rain, at dusk, visual objects are removed
Objects appear much closer when lying down than when standing
- large water surface visually reduces the distance
- on the plain, the distance seems much less than on uneven terrain

Knowing how to navigate the terrain will greatly simplify human survival. Therefore, knowledge about nature, celestial bodies is necessary to determine the cardinal points. In addition, the ability to use a map and compass will be useful.

Orientation - determining one's location relative to the sides of the horizon and prominent local objects (landmarks), maintaining a given or selected direction of movement and understanding the position of local objects and objects on the ground.

• a) on the map: - in order to navigate the map on the ground, it is necessary to orient the map (along the lines of the terrain, along the compass) and determine the point of your standing (by nearby local objects, i.e. relief, measuring distances, serifs - direct and reverse).
• b) without a map: - in order to navigate the terrain without a map, it is necessary to determine the sides of the horizon (directions to the north, south, west and east) - (by compass, by the North Star, by the Moon and hours, by the Sun and hours, by local objects) and determine your position relative to the designated landmarks (local objects).

navigate- means to determine your location on the ground (standing point or direction of movement) relative to the sides of the horizon, surrounding local objects and landforms.

Orientation is carried out using a compass, celestial bodies, local objects, landforms and a map.

For orientation on the ground, one must be able to find the location of the sides of the horizon, determine the direction to the surrounding local objects (relief details) and measure distances. Local objects and relief details, relative to which one's location is determined, are called landmarks in this case.

Ways to determine the sides of the horizon

By compass:

To determine the sides of the horizon using the compass, you need to give it a horizontal position, release the arrow brake and set the compass so that the zero division of the compass scale (C) is against the north end of the arrow. In this case, the division on the scale C (0 degrees) will show the direction to the north, B (90 degrees) - to the east, South (180 degrees) - to the south, W (270 degrees) - to the west.

By Sun:

An approximate (eye measurement) determination of the sides of the horizon by the Sun is made taking into account the time of determination. In this case, it is assumed that the Sun is approximately located in the Northern Hemisphere:

• - at 7 o'clock (by Decree time) - in the east,
• - at 13 o'clock - in the south,
• - at 7 p.m. - in the west,
• - at 1 o'clock - in the north.

The average movement of the Sun for 1 hour is 15 degrees.

Sun and clock:

Determination of the sides of the horizon by the Sun using a watch is performed as follows. Holding the clock in a horizontal position, turn it so that the hour hand points towards the Sun with its tip. A straight line dividing the angle between the hour hand and the direction from the center of the clock to the number "1" of the dial will indicate the direction to the south.

To improve the accuracy of determining the sides of the horizon in the southern regions, a slightly modified technique can be used.

The clock is given not a horizontal, but an inclined position (for a latitude of 50-40 degrees - at an angle of 40-50 degrees to the horizon), while the clock is kept with the number “1” away from you, finding on the dial the middle of the arc between the hour hand and the number “ 1”, a match is applied here, i.e. perpendicular to the dial, without changing the position of the clock, turn with them in relation to the Sun so that the shadow from the match passes through the center of the dial. At this point, the number "1" will be in the south direction.

For the North Star:

The direction to the North Star always corresponds to the direction to the north. To find the North Star, you need:

• - find the constellation Ursa Major (it looks like a bucket of seven well-marked stars),
• - through the two extreme stars of the bucket, mentally draw a line, set aside about five segments on it, equal to the distance between these stars, at the end of the line there will be the Polar Star.

By the Moon:

On a full moon, the sides of the horizon can be determined by the Moon with the help of a watch in the same way as by the Sun (table).

If the Moon is incomplete (increasing or waning), it is necessary: ​​- to divide by eye the radius of the Moon's disk into six equal parts, - to determine how many such parts are contained in the diameter of the visible crescent of the Moon, and to notice the time by the clock,

- subtract from this time (if the Moon is waxing) or add (if the Moon is waning) the number of parts contained in the diameter of the visible crescent of the Moon, the resulting difference or sum will show the hour when the Sun will be in the direction where the Moon is located - determining this hour and taking the Moon for the Sun, determine the direction to the south in the same way as it is done when orienting by the Sun and the clock, with the only difference being that you point to the Moon not the hour hand, but the place on the dial that corresponds to the newly received hour.

Along the Milky Way:

At the end of July from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Milky Way branching end points to the south, in January and early February from 23:00 to 1:00 at night - to the north.

Based on local items.

When determining the sides of the horizon according to various signs of local objects, it is necessary to take into account not one, but several signs.

Signs of the location of objects in relation to the Sun are as follows:

• - the bark of most trees is rougher on the north side, thinner, more elastic (lighter in birch) - on the south,
• - in a pine, the secondary (brown, cracked) bark on the north side rises higher along the trunk,
• - on the north side, trees, stones, wooden, tiled and slate roofs are covered earlier and more abundantly with lichens, fungi,
• - on coniferous trees, resin accumulates more abundantly on the south side,
• - anthills are located on the south side of trees, stumps and bushes, in addition, the southern slope of anthills is gentle, the northern one is steep,
• - berries and fruits acquire the color of maturity earlier (blush, turn yellow) on the south side,
• - in summer, the soil near large stones, buildings, trees and bushes is drier on the south side, which can be determined by touch,
• - snow melts faster on the southern slopes, as a result of thawing, notches form on the snow - "spikes" directed to the south,
• - in the mountains, oak often grows on the southern slopes.

Other signs:

• - the altars of Orthodox churches, chapels and Lutheran churches are facing east, and the main entrances are located on the west side,
• - the altars of Catholic churches (churches) are facing west,
• - the raised end of the lower crossbar of the churches faces north,
• - shrines (pagan chapels with idols) face south,
• - clearings in large forests, as a rule, are oriented in the direction of north-south and west-east,
• - the numbering of blocks, forests goes from west to east and further south.

Determining the sides of the horizon on the basis of local objects gives very approximate results, this must be taken into account and at the first opportunity to use more accurate methods for determining the sides of the horizon.

Orientation on the map

When working on the ground, one must make it a rule to always work only on an oriented map.

To orient a map means to arrange it so that the north side of the map frame faces north, and the rest of the map faces south, east, and west, respectively. With this position of the map, all directions observed from the standing point to the surrounding local objects will coincide with the same directions on the map, and the relative position of local objects on the ground and their conventional signs on the map will be similar.

Depending on the problem being solved, the orientation of the map can be performed approximately or exactly. Approximate orientation is performed by eye. If you need to orient the map more precisely, then this is done using a compass, directions to local objects and along terrain lines.

Map Orientation

Orientation of the map according to the compass is carried out along the western or eastern side of the map frame or along one of the vertical lines of the kilometer grid, for which:

• - set the compass on the map so that the zero diameter of the limb (N - S) coincides with the western or eastern side of the frame and is directed by the letter C to the north side of the frame,
• - turn the map along with the compass until the northern end of the arrow approaches the division corresponding to the declination value (if the declination is less than 3 degrees, then it is not taken into account.

When working in the field, the card usually does not fully expand and its frame may be bent. In this case, the compass is applied to any of the vertical lines of the coordinate grid, while introducing a correction for magnetic declination and convergence of the meridians, i.e. direction correction.

The magnitude of the magnetic declination and directional corrections are always indicated in the text and on the diagram under the south side of the map frame.

Orienting the map towards a local item used when the standing point is known. To do this, you need to put a ruler on the map, combine it with the direction of the standing point to a visible local object (landmark) and rotate the map so that the selected landmark is on the line of sight.

Orientation of the map along the lines (directions) of the terrain. To orient the map, you need to stand on any line of the terrain (a straight section of the road, a communication line, a clearing in the forest, a canal bank, etc.), which is also indicated on the map. Attaching a ruler (pencil) to this line, rotate the map so that the direction of the ruler (pencil) coincides with the direction of the same line on the ground. Then you should check if all local objects located on the ground to the right and left of the selected line have the same location on the map. If this condition is met, then the map is oriented correctly. With sufficient experience, the orientation of the map in this way is performed by eye.

Finding your location on the map

You can locate your position on the map in a variety of ways. The easiest way to determine a standing point on the map is when it is located on the ground next to some local object depicted on the map (crossroads, bridge, individual stone, characteristic forest ledge, etc.). In this case, the location of the symbol of the object will coincide with the desired standing point.

According to the nearest local objects by eye:

To do this, it is necessary to orient the map and identify two characteristic local objects on it. Then, having visually determined your location relative to them, put your standing point on the map.

Distance measurement:

When moving along terrain lines (on a road, forest edge, ditch, street, etc.), the standing point can be determined by the distance from an object that is shown on the map and is on the ground, provided that it is located on the movement line. To do this, it is necessary to measure the distance traveled from the object to the standing point and set aside it on a scale on the map.

Serif:

To determine your location on the map with a notch, you need to orient the map and identify two or three landmarks depicted on the map on the ground, provision and draw along the direction line from the landmarks to yourself. The intersection point on the map of these directions will be the point of our location.

Determination of the standing point by the Bolotov method:

This method allows you to determine your location without orienting the map. To do this, at least three landmarks must be identified on the ground and on the map. On a sheet of transparent paper, from an arbitrarily taken point, it is necessary to sequentially provide for each landmark and draw directions. Then the paper with the drawn directions is placed on the map so that the lines of sight pass through the conventional signs of landmarks, and the point of intersection of the sight lines is cut onto the map. This point will be the standing point.

Comparison of the map with the terrain:

To compare a map with the terrain means to find on the map all the objects and landforms visible on the terrain, as well as to identify on the terrain the objects and landforms depicted on the map.

To find on the map an object visible on the ground, you must:

• - orient the map and determine the point of your standing on it,
• - keeping the orientation of the map, turn to face the object whose position you need to find on the map,
• - attach a ruler (pencil) to the point of standing on the map and direct it to an object visible on the ground,
• - in the direction of the ruler, find on the map the symbol of the observed object. The position of the symbol will indicate the location of the item on the map.

To locate an object indicated on the map, you must:

• - orient the map and find a standing point on it,
• - attach a ruler (pencil) to the standing point and the symbol of the desired object,
• - without knocking down the orientation of the map and without moving the ruler, look at the area in the direction along the ruler (pencil),
• - in this direction, find an object, taking into account the distance to it, previously determined on the map.

Determination of distances to targets

The distance is specified in meters. The most accurate way to determine the distance on the scale of the map is by comparing the map with the terrain.

After reading this article, you will get acquainted with such a concept as orientation. What does this concept imply, what are its methods and types, the history of orienteering - we will touch on all this in our story. First of all, you need to define the key term. Let's talk about such a thing as orientation. That such a concept exists, each of us knows. And many can even explain it: this is the ability to correctly determine the cardinal points, as well as imagine the location settlements and direction of roads to where you are. You can always find the way, if you know about the location of the four cardinal points. They are south (S), north (N), west (W), and east (E). Now let's talk in more detail about such a concept as orientation.

What is terrain orientation

This is a very broad concept. You can navigate by compass, map, sun, stars, clock, natural phenomena and signs, as well as various tips. For example, if you look out the window in the morning and see that people are walking with umbrellas, you will understand that it is raining outside. If you notice snow, then dress warmly. This is, if I may say so, "everyday" orientation.

What is orientation, why is it necessary? It is one of the most important conditions that ensure human life, as well as necessary for the successful solution of the tasks. It is easy to use for or a card. However, sometimes it is necessary to act without having either a compass or a map with you. Therefore, you should know other ways to navigate the terrain.

When preparing for a hike, you need to pay special attention to instilling the appropriate skills, ways, rules and techniques that will help you do without the use of a compass and map.

Sun Orientation

You may know that its sunrise and sunset locations differ depending on the time of year. The sun rises in the southeast in winter and sets in the southwest. IN summer period it rises in the northeast and sets in the northwest. In autumn and spring, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. It must be remembered that at noon it is always located in the direction to the south, regardless of the time of year. At 13 o'clock, the shortest shadow from objects is observed. At this time, its direction from objects located vertically points to the north. If the Sun is hidden by clouds, you can put a knife on your fingernail. A shadow will appear, even a small one, and it will be clear where it is.

By sun and clock

Point the hour hand at the sun. The angle that forms between the number 1 (13 o'clock) and the direction of the hour hand must be divided in half using an imaginary line. She will show you the direction: behind - north, ahead - south. It must be remembered that the left corner should be divided before 1 pm and the right corner in the afternoon.

By the polar star

There are many ways to navigate the terrain. One of the most famous - according to the North Star. This star is always in the north. In order to find it, you must first find the constellation Ursa Major. This constellation resembles a bucket, which is formed from 7 stars, quite bright. Further, through the 2 extreme right stars, you should mentally draw a line. On it it is necessary to postpone the distance between them, multiplied by five. At the end of the line we will find the North Star. It is located in the tail of Ursa Minor, another constellation. If we stand facing this star, we will stand towards the north.

By the moon

In order to navigate the terrain well, it must be remembered that the Moon in the first quarter at 20 o'clock is visible in the south, in the west it is at 2 o'clock in the morning. If we are talking about the last quarter, then in the east the Moon will be at 2 am, and in the south at 8 am. The sides of the horizon at night with a full moon are determined in the same way as by the Sun and the clock. In this case, the Moon is used instead of the Sun. It must be remembered that when it is full, it opposes the Sun. In other words, it is located against it.

Snowmelt orientation method

We continue to talk about what orientation in geography is. We have described far from all of its methods. This article only covers the main ones. One of the most common ways is orienteering by melting snow. The south side of all objects, as you know, heats up more than the north. This means that snow melts faster on this side as well. This is clearly noticeable in early spring, as well as in winter, during thaws, along snow adhering to stones, holes near trees, and slopes of ravines.

By shadow

At noon, the shadow is as short as possible, and its direction points to the north. In order not to wait for its appearance, you can proceed as follows. It is necessary to stick a stick into the ground, the length of which is approximately 1 m. Next, you need to mark the end of its shadow. Then you should wait about 10-15 minutes, then repeat the procedure. From the first to the second position of the shadow, you need to draw a line, and then extend it beyond the second mark by about a step. With the toe of the left foot, stand opposite the 1st mark, and place the toe of the right foot at the end of the line you have drawn. You are now facing north.

By buildings

A certain type of buildings is oriented strictly to the cardinal points. These include churches, synagogues, mosques. The chapels and altars of Lutheran and peasant churches always face east, while the bell towers of these buildings face west. You can also navigate by the dome of the Orthodox Church, or rather, by the cross on it. The edge of its lower crossbar, which is lowered, is turned to the south, and to the north it is raised. On the western side are the altars of Catholic churches. The doors of Muslim mosques and synagogues face approximately north.

Usually the way out of the yurts is to the south. In villages in houses, more windows are made on the south side. Another important sign is that on the south side, the coloring on the walls of buildings fades more and acquires a withered color.

Clearings in the forest

It is possible to determine the cardinal points in cultivated forests by clearings. They are usually cut along east-west and north-south lines. You can also orient yourself by the inscriptions of the numbers of the quarters, which are made on the pillars placed at the intersection of the clearings. Numbers are placed at the top of each such pillar and on each of the 4 faces. The north direction shows the edge between the two faces that have the lowest digits.

no watch

If you have lost or broken your watch, the local time can be known with relative accuracy using a compass. For this, azimuth orientation is used. What it is? It is necessary to measure the azimuth to the Sun. After you determine it, you need to divide the resulting value by 15. This is the amount by which the Sun rotates in an hour. The number that appears in the end will indicate the time. For example, the azimuth to the Sun is 180°. Therefore, the time is 12 hours.

Orienteering

Surely you are familiar with the phrase "orienteering". the sport is based on the fact that the participants must pass the checkpoints located on the ground using a compass and a sports map. As a rule, the results are determined by the time spent on the distance (sometimes penalty time is taken into account). The method of calculation by the number of points scored by the participants can also be used.

Today, competitions in this sport are held in various groups. They can be both by skill level and by age. The length of the distance and its complexity are determined by the complexity of the terrain and age group. In this case, the route (distance) should be unknown to all participants, and also contain certain difficulties that must be overcome, having a good physical form and the ability to navigate.

History of orienteering

Since ancient times, people have known what orienteering is. It is known that even then they used the skills and abilities associated with it. However, a review of historical facts usually begins with military competitions that were held in the northern states of Europe. It is believed that orienteering as a sport appeared at the end of the 19th century. It was then that the first competitions were organized between a number of military garrisons in Norway, Sweden, and Great Britain. On October 31, 1897, the first mass competitions among citizens were held. So, many people learned about what orienteering is, the definition of which in our time can be given by every schoolchild. However, the real birth of this sport took place in 1918. It was then that Major E. Killander from Stockholm decided to use environment the Swedish countryside to organize During the competition he devised, runners not only ran, but also had to choose their own routes using a compass and a map.

Orienteering as a sport by 1934 had spread to Switzerland, Hungary and the USSR. National championships for women and men began to be held annually in Sweden, Finland and Norway by the beginning of World War II. In 1960, the Open International Competitions took place in the Stockholm area. They were attended by representatives of 7 countries. Today this sport is very popular. There are several running, skiing, cycling, trail orienteering, etc. Competitions are held for each of them.

Now you can also talk about what orientation is. And tourism, and sports, and survival in extreme conditions combines this concept. Orientation allows you to find the way, being anywhere on our planet in an unfamiliar area. Knowing its basics, you will not be afraid to get lost in the forest or anywhere else.

The ability to navigate among unfamiliar places is an important quality of a modern competent tourist. It means, first of all, not to get lost in an unfamiliar place, to establish your location on the sides of the horizon and geographical objects in time, to find out the direction of further movement.

It’s good when an experienced instructor takes a compass on a hike, this is not always the case in unprepared groups. If tourists find themselves in an unfamiliar area without a compass, do not despair. There are many ways to navigate the terrain without this device and it is worth getting to know them.

tree orientation

If tourists find themselves without a compass in an unfamiliar forest area, you need to look carefully at the trees. From the south, the crown of trees is more magnificent and the leaves are much larger. Here the densest branches develop in a dense forest, the sun warms them better. Trees with every leaf are drawn to the heat. There are much fewer leaves and branches from the north.

The method is not absolutely correct, it is necessary to make allowances for the prevailing winds, the presence of moisture, soil types. It is safer to navigate through lonely growing trees than in a dense forest.

The bark on the trees will tell a lot when orienting. From the south, tree trunks are heated better than from the north. It is the southern side of the trunk that is lighter in bark and drier. On the heated southern surface of the trunk, you can see clots of oleoresin-resin. A secondary layer of dark cracking bark on pines forms on the trunk from the north. After rain, pine trunks darken from the north, dry out more slowly due to lack of sunlight.

You can navigate by the bark in a birch forest, from the south it is always lighter, more elastic and thinner. Roughness and cracks, dark growths are formed on birch trunks from the north. Birch is a very flexible thin-stemmed tree in young forests; it will tell you the direction of the prevailing winds by tilting the trunk.

You can navigate by a sawn stump, you just need to carefully examine the annual rings on it. Where the gaps between annual rings are larger - south, and where the rings are located close to each other - north. It’s good if you come across a clearing with cut trees along the way. Even a few stumps will help confirm your orienteering assumptions.

In the forests along which hiking trails pass, there are special signs called tourist markings. They are applied with paint on the trunks along the planned route, always from the side of the nearest settlement.

Moss and lichen orientation

moss on the tree

This is perhaps one of the most popular ways to navigate the terrain. The trunks of large trees in the forest, aspens, poplars, firs, cedars from the north are covered with various lichens and mosses due to excess moisture. Even if the whole tree is overgrown with moss, from the north its thickets are denser and more humid. This is noticeable if you examine the trunk at the bottom. On boulders, screes and kurumniks from the north of the stones, you can also observe thickets of moss and lichen. These are plants that do not tolerate direct sunlight, bright light and intense heat. The soil from the north of the stones is more moist to the touch.

Orientation on the ground on the anthill

Stump with anthill

Anthills are built by insects in the south of the mountain slopes, trees, large stones and stumps for good heating by the sun. Ants are very heat-loving insects and carefully maintain the microclimate in the home. From the south, where the sun warms better, there is a gentle long slope near the anthill. The steep slope of the anthill always faces north. Paths of heat-loving ants run from the south side of the anthill.

Orientation on temples and pillars of clearings

Orthodox churches, Catholic churches are built oriented to the cardinal points. It is enough to look at the crosses located on the Orthodox church, the lower part of the lower crossbar points to the south, the upper one to the north.

The entrance to the temple and the bell tower are located on the western side, the altar in the church is located on the east. In Catholic churches, the altar, on the contrary, is located in the west. For Muslim mosques, it is more difficult to determine the sides of the horizon, they are oriented towards Mecca. So the Jewish synagogues are oriented towards Jerusalem. Although the doors of synagogues and mosques are in the north.

If, if necessary, you can find a clearing in the forest, you should find a pillar with bright numbers on it. They will point tourists to the square number of the topographic map of the area. The smallest digits of the clearing column will point to the north.

Orientation by sun and stars

In order to orient yourself by the Sun on a bright sunny day, you should wait half a day. At this time, the luminary is at its zenith, any shadow cast by objects becomes short. You should stand with your back to the luminary, the shadow of the tourist will indicate the direction to the north. Behind the traveler will be the south. On his right hand will be the east direction, on his left hand - the west.

In the off-season, in spring and autumn days, the sun will rise strictly in the east, set in the west. At noon in any season, the luminary is in the south and every shadow will point north. On winter days, the sun will rise from the southeast and set from the southwest. On summer days, the sun will rise from the northeast and set from the northwest.

Any traveler has an idea of ​​the constellations of his northern sky. Today, almost every student can find the stars of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor in the sky. But although theoretically tourists may know that the North Star is the terminal one on the tail of Ursa Minor, finding it can be quite difficult. The advice to find two terminal stars in Ursa Major and mentally continue the line connecting them to the bright Polaris can help with this. Standing facing her, the tourist will look to the north.

Table: determination of parts of the world by the sun

other methods

The inhabitants of the forest will help the tourist to navigate the terrain without a compass and a map. The squirrel lives only in hollows, protected from the prevailing winds. Paths of insects on tree trunks are more often on the south side. Migratory birds fly north in spring and south in autumn. In spring, the snow begins to melt on the southern slopes of the hollows and ravines; the grass here subsequently becomes thicker and taller. In summer, on hot days, juicy grass on the north side of buildings, stones, forest edges. The soil is drier and the berries ripen earlier on the southern slopes.

With the help of a carnation, a sewing needle, a piece of wire, you can make a homemade tourist compass. At the same time, one must understand that it will point to the magnetic pole and there will be a small error. This piece of steel must be magnetized by rubbing it against wool. In one case, it can be tied up on a long thread for the center of gravity, it will turn and stop in the north-south position. In another case, a magnetized needle is placed on a dry leaflet in a small pond, the needle will indicate the north-south direction.

Given all the knowledge of orienteering without a compass, it should be remembered that you should not use one or two methods. Use your knowledge repeatedly, test it and if a few observations are correct, the group will find the right direction.