I've used the compass I carry in my pocket more in Manhattan than in the woods.

It took me a while to realize the trick of orienting to the direction of the subway train on reaching my stop and then retaining that memory while making all the numerous right and left turns leaving the train, going up multiple staircases, escalators, etc., so that when I reach the street I immediately know which way is north / south / east / west. So in the early days of being a tourist, unless I looked at my compass I would have a 50-50 chance of heading off in the wrong direction initially.

In the woods, for me at least, it's pretty much, "I'm on this well-marked trail, and I'm headed to that big obvious mountain over there." No compass needed.

On the other hand, it's actually a survival tactic in the city NOT to emerge from the subway and stand still for a minute staring around with big eyes and mouth open while gazing up and around with a lost expression!