what if its not sunny what you gonner do to find dirrection no compass or GPS there are ways lets see who knows
Watch Compass
- Thread starter bushcraftbob
- Start date
Certainly not! I wouldn't believe a word that strategically shaved ape said! I have been using these methods for years, I used to use them on map tests with a Senior NCO who thought he was Gods gift. I'd start walking off and he'd question how I knew where I was going as I hadn't even got my compass out! Well, I knew the watch method, looked out for bark and a few other tips, and had a rough idea. Granted, I probably wasn't spot on to within 10 degrees or whatever, but it was enough to put him in his place. he didn't question me again.
another rough and ready indicator for maintaining direction that can impress, especially on open terrain such as mountains, is to use the wind. Get your compass out and make a note of wind direction at the start of the day, or alternatively there are plenty of forcasts on the net which will give predicted wind direction and speed at different altitudes for at least a day in advance; unless there are frontal systems coming through they rarely change very rapidly.
The only thing to watch out for is localised effects such as funneling.
The only thing to watch out for is localised effects such as funneling.
The watch compass works well enough over short distances and is helpful for getting ones bearings in a city, for example. Stobhill is thataway, Partick is thataway, and Embra is away over there beyond the pale.
It's harder to say how useful it is over longer distances, not only because of the inherent difficulties mentioned above (and here's another - the sun tracks at different speeds at different times of year as well as day and latitude), but because its impractical to use to the exclusion of all other methods. That is to say, after taking an initial bearing the moving sun will offer a great big fat clue as you go.
Of course, navigating using the sun's position can be done properly if using tables, an accurate clock and the correct sighting equipment. E.g., Shackleton's crew navigated with astonishing accuracy 800 miles of Southern Ocean with only a few sightings of the sun.
What would be fun to do would be to test just how (in)accurate the watch compass method is in practice. Maybe trek to an objective say 100km away navigating with a watch but no map in unknown territory. Any volunteers?
(No offense intended to Edinburghurs!)
It's harder to say how useful it is over longer distances, not only because of the inherent difficulties mentioned above (and here's another - the sun tracks at different speeds at different times of year as well as day and latitude), but because its impractical to use to the exclusion of all other methods. That is to say, after taking an initial bearing the moving sun will offer a great big fat clue as you go.
Of course, navigating using the sun's position can be done properly if using tables, an accurate clock and the correct sighting equipment. E.g., Shackleton's crew navigated with astonishing accuracy 800 miles of Southern Ocean with only a few sightings of the sun.
What would be fun to do would be to test just how (in)accurate the watch compass method is in practice. Maybe trek to an objective say 100km away navigating with a watch but no map in unknown territory. Any volunteers?
(No offense intended to Edinburghurs!)
Scots_Charles_River
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
The US survival manual and Overland pdfs are both good sources and are found on the download section of this site.
Nick
Nick
Is that wise ? I'll assume you mean with a watch, while not looking at a map.
I'd say never go anywhere without a map.
Just a thought, would be easy to test anyway.
Take map, once you locate yourself, decide on a direction of travel,
follow direction using watch method.
after about 1km, triangulate your position.
check result against said map.
if it's accurate, retry a few more km and vary route a little.
Take map, once you locate yourself, decide on a direction of travel,
follow direction using watch method.
after about 1km, triangulate your position.
check result against said map.
if it's accurate, retry a few more km and vary route a little.
To clarify. I'm suggesting a good test of the method in practice, with the emphasis on enjoyment rather than a heavy test of survival skills.
So, a walkabout in England or lowland Scotland, say, where you'll soon cross a road or bump into a village and are basically always in mobile range. Not the Namib desert or where you're likely to run into difficulties. I'd never advocate anything less than adequate knowledge, resources and equipment for any project.
Easy to test in theory - however, a bit more tricky in practice since we don't have featureless flat plains and predictable sunshine in the UK. Also, a twenty minute walk is really neither here nor there, and wouldn't provide enough of a test to put bushcraftbob's original question properly to bed, imho.
So, a walkabout in England or lowland Scotland, say, where you'll soon cross a road or bump into a village and are basically always in mobile range. Not the Namib desert or where you're likely to run into difficulties. I'd never advocate anything less than adequate knowledge, resources and equipment for any project.
Easy to test in theory - however, a bit more tricky in practice since we don't have featureless flat plains and predictable sunshine in the UK. Also, a twenty minute walk is really neither here nor there, and wouldn't provide enough of a test to put bushcraftbob's original question properly to bed, imho.
Stuart, you quite correct in what you say, i have used the watch method on several continents,but as with all things survival it is the sum of several things that give you the answer, ie moss, ants nests, arc of sun etc.
I've used the watch method for a quick assessment of general direction to take. The closer to the equator you are though the less accurate. You need correct local time of course and take off daylight saving if it's in force. And It'll indicate true north/south not magnetic!
Another tip I've used in urban situations is to just look at the direction TV dishes are pointing.
In the southern hemisphere they'll be pointing to the north and in the northern hemisphere (I assume) they point to the south. Quite handy if manoeuvering in a strange town or suburb and there's no sunshine.
Another tip I've used in urban situations is to just look at the direction TV dishes are pointing.
In the southern hemisphere they'll be pointing to the north and in the northern hemisphere (I assume) they point to the south. Quite handy if manoeuvering in a strange town or suburb and there's no sunshine.
How does the moss indicator work? What side of the tree does the moss grow? Presumable the cooler wetter side so northern side? Or be I wrong?
In the northern hemisphere it's on the cooler/wetter north side.
In the southern hemisphere it's the opposite.
This will be true of growth on stones, rocks etc., too.
Having said that, it's only on 'average' as many areas will have conditions where growth will appear equally all around. Especially in densely forested areas or pockets where a 'mini climate' encourages growth that is opposite to the 'average'. I'd personally be a bit wary of relying too heavily on the method.
Last weekend was the first in this year's Dartmoor training for Ten Tors. With a nice clear Saturday I did a little playing with the watch method. All readings taken on the South moor. I have locations if any mathematicians want to play!
Time Magnetic bearing of indicated North
9.40 009
10.20 028
12.00 352
I don't know how poor my accuracy was but that little survey isn't promising for proving the method for fine navigation. However, it should be good enough to get you to a road or similar feature, where only a general direction is needed.
Have fun.
Time Magnetic bearing of indicated North
9.40 009
10.20 028
12.00 352
I don't know how poor my accuracy was but that little survey isn't promising for proving the method for fine navigation. However, it should be good enough to get you to a road or similar feature, where only a general direction is needed.
Have fun.
I have been using the world clock and found that it also shows Azimuths for sunrise and sunset longest day 21/06/08 will put you about 41 degrees out at sunrise thats enough to get well lost. Usefull reference info.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=298&month=6&year=2008&obj=sun&afl=-1&day=1
Pothunter.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=298&month=6&year=2008&obj=sun&afl=-1&day=1
Pothunter.
Scots_Charles_River
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
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