how can you determine direction on a map that does not have a compass rose?

Answer 1

maps are always made with North on top, South on the bottom, West on the left, and East on the right.

Answer 2

I have an undergrad degree in Geography. I cannot recall ever seeing a map that wasn't oriented with north at the top, though there definitely could be some. But, first, start by assuming that the top of the map IS north and you'll probably be okay.

If you have at least two lines of latitude listed on your map (those are the lines that go across the map, vertically, like the steps on a ladder) then the smaller number is south and the larger number is north.

If, however, you have reason to doubt that the top of your map is north then know that most rivers in the northern hemisphere run west or east or south. Not north. **MOST** of them. Look on your map to get a feeling for what the rivers are doing.

Contour maps indicate the altitude of a particular area in the map. By knowing your current altitude, you will be able to narrow down your possible location on the map. Knowing something about the terrain you're in will help you narrow your location more precisely.

At night, NOT using your map, you can find north doing this:
1. Pick out a bright star.
2. Look along a stick, like sighting a rifle.
3. Prop your elbows to keep them steady.
4. After a minute or two, the star will have moved.
.... If the star has moved LEFT then you are facing North.
.... Star to RIGHT: South
.... Star UP: East
.... Star DOWN: West

Answer 3

a map usually has letters and descriptions, but not always. Unless you depend upon the locations and you have a compass with you in your travels by foot. Then accurate magnitc north would be hard to determine unless you are on foot with a compass.
There are USGS benchmark locations but they have longitude and lattitude coordinates, I am not sure if they alone can help you to determine nortth. unless there were several points to comare within your mapped area.

Answer 4

It depends what kind of a map it is. Does it have a few different towns on it that one is farther north thatn the other. If not, I would suggest looking for another map online.

Answer 5

North is always up unless otherwise noted.