What should users be aware of when relying on the shadow-tip method for navigation?

The shadow-tip method for navigation relies on the use of the sun's position to determine direction, making it essential for users to understand how variations in shadow length can impact the accuracy of this technique. As the sun's elevation changes throughout the day and across different seasons, the length of shadows cast by objects will also change. This variation can lead to discrepancies in navigation if users do not take into account the time of day and the season, which affect the sun's angle and the resulting shadow length. Therefore, being aware of these variations is critical for ensuring the method's reliability when determining cardinal directions.