Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 140
Using watch as a compass

I was watching some survival type programme the other day and the guy said if you point the hour hand of your watch towards the sun, south will be half way between the sun and 12 o'clock on the watch.

Does anyone knows how accurate this is? Also I assume it would work in both the northern and southern hemsiphere?!

Thanks
__________________
Chris
www.motocrossafrica.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Hi Chris

I'm sure someone will be along to give you chapter and verse on this but in rough terms yes it works.
The drawbacks are - doesn't work with a digital watch (sorry!) and more seriously, you need to be close to the meridian of your time zone for it to be accurate(ish) and you'll need to take into account the sun's diurnal error (it varies by +/- 15 mins thru the year) - but I don't suppose you'd be using this for accurate navigation.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2007
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Thumbs up Yes!

Back of 's comments are accurate. This method is an old established method of finding north. For a detailed explanation , go to a good walker's navigation book.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 61
The SAS survival handbook and many other books detail this, as mentioned above. definately works in northern hemishere, as tried it many times. mainly out of curiosity. but i vaguely remember that it works slightly differently in the southern hemishere. possibly something like taking the other half way point between 12 and teh hour hand.

just crossed back in to the northern hemishere 2 weeks ago so can't try it down south again!

cheers
mike
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 49
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
The drawbacks are - doesn't work with a digital watch (sorry!)

I got one of these as a birthday present 6 years ago and it's been dead handy. Found my way out of a maze of streets in Marrakech with it once.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
which compass? wannago Equipment Reviews 19 28 Oct 2007 10:54
Compass Bobo Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 0 30 Apr 2005 23:40
which compass? wannago Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 3 14 Jan 2005 20:33
Compass for bike karter257 Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 27 18 Feb 2003 14:56
Sun compass Mav Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 3 24 Jun 2001 13:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:19.