Final answer:
Without a compass, maps can be oriented using the position of the sun or celestial objects like the North Star, the use of a sundial, and natural landmarks or wind direction.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common or conventional way of orientating a map without the availability of a compass is using natural surroundings and landmarks. In the daytime, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, which can indicate the general directions. At night, if visible, the North Star (Polaris) in the Northern Hemisphere indicates true north. Another method is the use of a sundial which uses the shadow cast by the sun to find the north-south line. Astronomers mapping the sky use a system similar to Earth's latitude and longitude to locate celestial objects. Additionally, landmarks, like rivers or mountains, or the direction of the prevailing wind can also be helpful indicators for orientation.