Page 28 - Geography_n_Environment

Methods of determining the Cardinal Directions

Cardinal Directions of the Earth can be identified using different
methods. These methods include using sunrise and sunset, the
direction of shadows, the direction of stars, maps, and compasses.
At this stage, you will learn how to determine the Cardinal Directions
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
by using sunrise and sunset, the direction of shadow, map and
Compass.

Determining the Cardinal Directions using the sunrise and sunset

Watching the Sun as it rises in the morning or sets in the evening

is one way to determine the Cardinal Directions in your location.
Normally, the Sunrises in the East and sets in the West. This natural
phenomenon helps you identify the East and West directions of your
location. By understanding where the sunrises and sunsets, you can
gain a basic understanding of the Cardinal Directions.

Therefore, in the morning, if you face the sun, you are facing East,
and the West will be at your back. To your right side will be South,
and to your left side will be North. Similarly, in the evening, if you

face the sunset, you are facing the West, and the East will be at
your back. To your right side will be North, and to your left side will
be South.

Determining the Cardinal Directions using the shadow

The direction of your shadow in the morning and evening can be
used to determine the Cardinal Directions. Usually, when you walk

in the morning, the direction of your shadow falls to the West. For
example, if you walk while facing the Sun, your shadow will be behind
you, and if you walk while the Sun is to your back, your shadow
will be in front of you, thus the direction will be West. Similarly, in
the evening, the direction of your shadow will be East, as shown in

Figure 2.

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