Which field-expedient method can determine direction by the position of a shadow relative to an object?

Which field-expedient method can determine direction by the position of a shadow relative to an object?

• A. Compass Method
• B. Shadow Calculus Method
• C. Shadow Angle Method
• D. Shadow Tip Method

Answer: (D)

The idea is to determine direction by watching where a shadow falls from a simple, field-friendly setup. In the Shadow Tip Method you plant a vertical object (like a stick) and mark the tip of its shadow on the ground. The shadow points away from the sun, so the tip reveals where the sun is in the sky. By taking a second measurement later in the day and drawing a line between the two shadow tips, you get a roughly east–west line; the line through the object perpendicular to that gives the north–south direction. If you’re near solar noon in the Northern Hemisphere, the shadow points north, giving a direct cue to north. This method works with nothing but a stick and a marker, making it a practical field technique without needing a compass or angular calculations.

The idea is to determine direction by watching where a shadow falls from a simple, field-friendly setup. In the Shadow Tip Method you plant a vertical object (like a stick) and mark the tip of its shadow on the ground. The shadow points away from the sun, so the tip reveals where the sun is in the sky. By taking a second measurement later in the day and drawing a line between the two shadow tips, you get a roughly east–west line; the line through the object perpendicular to that gives the north–south direction. If you’re near solar noon in the Northern Hemisphere, the shadow points north, giving a direct cue to north. This method works with nothing but a stick and a marker, making it a practical field technique without needing a compass or angular calculations.