Emergency Survival: Using a Shadow Stick for Cardinal Directions?

Creating a Shadow Stick

To create a Shadow Stick, find a straight branch or stick approximately 1-2 feet long. Mark the top end with a small notch or scratch to create a “zero point” for your measurements. Place the stick in the ground vertically, ensuring it is level and aligned with the sun’s rays. Observe the time and mark the end of the shadow with a small rock or stick. Wait for 15-30 minutes, then mark the new end of the shadow. Draw an imaginary line between the two marks – this will be a rough estimate of south. By using the sun’s shadow as a reference, you can estimate the direction of south and other cardinal directions.

Determining Cardinal Directions

In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. By using the Shadow Stick method, you can approximate the direction of south by drawing an imaginary line between the two marks. To determine the direction of north, use the following technique: at noon, the sun is directly overhead, and the Shadow Stick will not have a shadow. Mark the spot where the Shadow Stick would be if it were in the ground. Draw an imaginary line through the mark, and you will have a rough estimate of north. This method works best between 30° north and 30° south latitudes, where the sun’s shadow is relatively consistent.