its a great way to find n/S with solar noon - i did it this year at qld astrofest with some hecklers chanting for the clouds. it ended up being a super help to setting up. in future i will try to setup without the need for other humans using a long tent pole and some pegs and ropes to hold it up initially set it in the morning and when solar noon comes then peg and rope the shadow on one side of the pole shadow. everything else can be set from there.three ropes on the pole will keep it vertical and perpendicular top thee surface with the aid of a level.
reducing the need for human help is desirable, less people to laugh at you when you stuff up
, isn't that right Brendan