Shadow Stick Method: Find Directions with a Sun Compass [Northern Hemisphere]

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In this video I am explaining how to build a sun compass by using the so-called shadow stick method: With a shadow stick, we can trace the movement of the sun and hence deduct the four cardinal directions - that is: North, East, South and West. This navigation technique has been used for millennia bz different ancient cultures such as for example the Norse/Vikings and old Anglo-Saxon cultures. Being able to craft a sun compass makes you less reliant on modern technology and gear as such - both things which can (and eventually will) fail in the outdoors. In other words: The shadow stick method is probably one of the most essential skills for bushcraft, survival and adventuring.
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#navigation #compass #shadowstick
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[@FOXSCOUTSurvival]

Super Video Ralf 👏 eine Methode die jeder beherrschen sollte 😎👍

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Danke dir - und ja, jeder sollte das können.

[@FelixImmler]

Sehr cool!!

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Danke dir :)

[@peterslanton3234]

great demonstration thanks

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Thank you Peter, appreciate it.

[@brendan2359]

Awesome, thanks man!

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

You're welcome Brendan, thanks for the view.

[@MrMarkar1959]

years ago building a grain bin i put two marked stakes out in yard and taught them kid co-workers how to tell time and direction by looking at the sticks👍🏼

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Great stuff. Let's just hope they're not going to get lost somewhere on the southern hemisphere hehe.

[@Kappe-im-Wald]

Hey Ralph, schön gezeigt, wieder was gelernt 👍 Lieben Gruß aus dem Bergischen 🌳👋🌲

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Freut mich zu hören :) Wie ist die Lage im Bergischen? Kommt man da trotz Flut langsam wieder auf die Beine? Danke fürs Reinschauen und den Kommentar.

[@Kappe-im-Wald]

@@RathwulvenBushcraft An machen Stellen merkt man schon nichts mehr, an anderen sieht es noch recht wüst aus. Wird aber 💪

[@shebams6843]

good job👍

[@ihadadream-itsgonenow]

So what will this compass do for you if you do not have a map ?

[@saber1able]

Very cool, this could definitely be useful to know. I'm not sire if you did this but, I wonder if it would be even more accurate if you make sure to put your 2nd and 3rd pins equal distance from the center pin? Just a thought, thanks for sharing.

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Hey Max and thanks for the comment. The only way to use this method in the most accurate way possible is to always mark the tip of the shadow - any change to that messes with the accuracy.

[@papaspage2001]

Thumbs up

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Thank you.

[@ArtesDoMato]

Normally is not E-W. In the winter, when the sun is low, the shadows will not make a straight line. I measured 30° of difference between compass and this method in my self experience. I recommend to make one measure before midday and other after, it will be more acurate.

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Thanks for your comment, ArtesDoMato. I just have a question: Do you happen to live somewhere in the Americas? Just wondering as far as over here, we have a rather neglectable declination whereas over there it is rather significant to take in mind. Never had such a vast difference in my experience.

[@ArtesDoMato]

I live in South Europe, Portugal. Try to make this procedure in this days around Summer solstice on early morning or late afternoon and you will be suprised. Close to Sun midday the error is smaller.

[@osensama4908]

​@@ArtesDoMato in equinoxes it is accurate but in solastice winter or summer You need more points to determine direction and always the shortest shadow in midday is pointing Always south if you are in northen hemisphere

[@George_outdoors]

Useful....how about days with no sun?

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Well honestly that technique will, of course, be problematic. If you want I can shoot a video on alternative navigation techniques at a point, just let me know. :)

[@GifhornCh]

Great video. Very explanetory. But please sharpen your knife. The major difference, that was evident when you compared with your compass, is due to the difference in "Norths". The compass points to magnetic north; the shadow variation shows astronomical north. Both are more-or-less the correct direction. You just need to apply the correct inclination.

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Hi Chris, first of all thanks for commenting and for the view. Over here we are dealing with some 2 degrees in terms of compass declination, which - luckily for us - is somewhat neglectable if we are talking of general directions, of course. I would agree though that this might be different for using a compass in Southern America for example. Have a good one!