Failsafe method to establish true north reference

[caddata]

(1). Check local weather for official sunrise and sunset times.
(2). Find midpoint in time between sunrise and sunset.
(3). Set watch to correct time.
(4). Drive a stake plumb into ground leaving approx. 24" above ground.
(5). Watch shadow cast by stake.
(6). At midpoint in time between sunrise and sunset mark top of stake shadow on ground.
(7). Reference line between stake and mark is true north within fractions of a degree.

 

[bubbers44]

Download Google Earth, zoom to your location, click navigation, click the N button, True north is straight up. If you click the tools and measure box you can use that box for alignment to exact N,S,E,W. The N button just realigns true north again.

If that sounds too hard go outside on a clear night and find the north star which is very easy and that is true north. Works anywhere in the world, ask Columbus.