Simple explanation how to use Sun and stars to find your place on the map

"In order to orientate themselves at sea, ships had only the stars as markers until modern times. The earth turns away from under them. Only the polar star always remains in the same place as an imaginary extension of the earth's axis. An observer at the North Pole has it exactly overhead, at the equator it is exactly on the horizon. The polar star can be used to calculate the degree of latitude at which you are. 

The order of latitude, of the rings around the earth, obeys cosmic laws and physics, while that of longitude, of cartographic strips, is purely a matter of definition. In all places that are on the same longitude, it is noon at the same time, which is why they are called noon lines or meridians. In Krakow it is noon at the same time as in Cape Town, but an hour later in Munich than in Kiev. Only when you can calculate the time difference between your own and normal time on the prime meridian - Greenwich Time is defined for us - you will be able to orientate yourself west-east. 

A meridian difference of one degree results in a noon shift of four minutes. At the equator, such a one-degree shift means a west-east change in position of over 110 kilometers. If the maximum height of the sun is delayed by one hour compared to standard time, then one has moved 15 degrees to the west or - at the equator - 1650 kilometers."