Can someone tell me how I can remember where N, S, E, W?

Question

I can't seem to get which way I'm headed at any given time. I even lose my car in parking lots. I know! Pathetic!
I just plain don't have any sense of direction. Is there a trick I can use. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think it would be hard unless you knew which way one direction is in the first place. In my case, I live near a Great Lake, so I know that's North of me. That means South is the opposite direction, West is to my left (facing North),, and East is to my right. I think that's the secret: all you need is one point of reference.

Answer 2

My advice is to just learn the area. Make a STRONG mental association of which sides of the streets go in which directions, and remember whichbuilding or other landmarks are inwhich parts of town. Also, try to remember where in the sky you rememberhaving seen the sun rise and set---it'll always rise inthe east and set in the west.

If you're out at night and can see the stars, you can learn how to use the North Star to tell you where North is. Even though the sun's not out, you can still tell East and West if you know the area well enough to remember where the sun rises and sets. To go South, you would need to be able to use both of those teechniques together. Whichever direction is NOT North, East, or West will obviously take you South.

My suggestion is to carry a compass. ;) You can also get one of those things that you can stick to your car antennae, or you can write down where you parked before you leave the car.

Answer 3

A dashboard compass will help. If you're in the same area alot, you'll soon remember based on landmarks. Otherwise, classes in land-navigation or orienteering will give ya a working knowledge.
Tain't pathetic. Some (like myself) seem to have a natural sense of direction, and navigation ability. Others don't. It's the same principle as when some are natural musically inclined, and some are good with tools.

Answer 4

The sun always rises in the East and sets in the west. So in the mornings if you put the sun behind you, the North is to your right and the South is to your left. Whether this applies to every country in the world, I don't know.

Answer 5

Never Eat Soggy Weetbix/Weeties.

Answer 6

Its really very simple.1 between your legs is south 2 your head is north.3 Your left hand is east.4 Your right hand is west.Useing these compass points should take you anywhere you want to go.Good luck

Answer 7

remember the acronym NEWS,
associate with it the cross sign
and you are at the center

where you see the sun rises is the east direction,
you turn left you will face north
where the sun sets leads you to west,
you turn right you will face south

dont get lost!

Answer 8

If you have an analogue watch, point the hour hand at the sun. The half-way point between the hour hand and 12 is south.