> > 2) You do it mostly by remembering visual
> > references. You would be more comfortable with
> > directions such as "go to the library, then
> > turn left, then turn again after the four big
> > trees, then keep going until you see a yellow
> > house, then turn right where the hedge
> > finishes." Even these instructions are easier
> > to follow if you have been there before and
> > can picture the route in your head.
>
> Now *that's* me. I can remember, for instance, how to get to university from home by way of various gas stations, stores, signs and such. But take away those landmarks and I'll get confused. And don't even make me try to do it from the other direction!
>
> Naturally, the places where I get most confused are where there *are* no clear defining features-- for instance, a neighborhood with houses that look very similar to one another, or an area where there's little to be found besides trees and country roads.

OK. So since you're using this method, the way to improve your sense of direction is to improve your visual memory and your observation of detail. When you're in these areas with "no clear defining features", you need to pay extra attention and *find* clear defining features. There are always some, but you need to train yourself to see. If there's nothing but trees, you need to learn to look at them and find individual differences, so you don't just see "trees" when you look at them, but "THIS PARTICULAR tree with the branch that goes like THAT."

Another thing. This may sound pretty stupid, but have you ever done anything artistic, such as learning to sketch realistically from life? I'm not saying you have to get *good* at it, but just that *practising* such things is a good way to improve your visual skills. I'm sure people can suggest other ways.