Gyrocompass vs. Compass — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
A gyrocompass finds true north through the Earth's rotation, unlike a magnetic compass, which aligns with the Earth's magnetic field.
Difference Between Gyrocompass and Compass
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gyrocompass utilizes the Earth's rotation to maintain its orientation towards true north, providing accuracy unaffected by magnetic variations. This makes it especially valuable in navigation for its precision and reliability in pointing towards the geographic North Pole. On the other hand, a magnetic compass, one of the oldest navigational tools, aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic north, which can vary from true north and is subject to local magnetic anomalies.
The operational mechanism of a gyrocompass is based on the principles of gyrostabilization and precession, which require electricity to power the gyroscope. This makes it suitable for ships and aircraft where power is available. Conversely, a magnetic compass is a simpler device that does not require any power source, making it portable and convenient for use in a wide range of environments, from hiking to small boats.
Gyrocompasses are essential in high-latitude navigation, where the effectiveness of magnetic compasses diminishes due to the inclination of the Earth's magnetic field. These areas are where magnetic compasses can become unreliable and difficult to use. In contrast, the accuracy of a gyrocompass is not affected by the latitude, providing consistent reliability.
The cost and complexity of a gyrocompass are significantly higher than those of a magnetic compass due to its mechanical and electronic components. This makes magnetic compasses a more accessible option for casual or emergency use, where precision navigation is not as critical. However, for professional maritime and aerial navigation, the investment in a gyrocompass is justified by its superior accuracy and reliability.
Despite their differences, both gyrocompasses and magnetic compasses play crucial roles in navigation. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the navigation task, such as the need for precision, the environment of operation, and the available resources.
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Comparison Chart
Principle of Operation
Aligns with Earth's rotation to find true north
Aligns with Earth's magnetic field
Power Requirement
Requires electricity
None
Accuracy
Unaffected by magnetic variations
Subject to magnetic anomalies
Cost
High, due to complex mechanisms
Low, simpler design
Usability in High Latitudes
Effective and reliable
Less reliable, prone to errors
Dependency
Independent of magnetic fields
Dependent on Earth's magnetic field
Suitability
Professional maritime and aerial navigation
Broad use, including personal and emergency
Maintenance and Complexity
High, requires regular maintenance
Low, minimal maintenance
Portability
Generally fixed installations
Highly portable
Affected by Latitude
No
Yes, especially near the poles
Compare with Definitions
Gyrocompass
Suited for professional navigation.
Airplanes use a gyrocompass to maintain precise courses.
Compass
A device that aligns itself with Earth's magnetic field to indicate magnetic north.
Hikers often carry a magnetic compass for orientation.
Gyrocompass
Requires electrical power to operate.
The vessel's gyrocompass stopped working during the power outage.
Compass
No power source required.
Even in remote locations without power, a magnetic compass can be a lifesaver.
Gyrocompass
Unaffected by magnetic fields.
In areas with high magnetic anomalies, the gyrocompass remains a reliable tool.
Compass
Can be influenced by local magnetic anomalies.
Near large metal deposits, the magnetic compass readings can be skewed.
Gyrocompass
A navigational instrument that finds true north using Earth's rotation.
Modern ships rely on a gyrocompass for accurate navigation.
Compass
Widely used due to its simplicity and reliability.
Small boats use magnetic compasses for basic navigation.
Gyrocompass
Offers high accuracy at any latitude.
Near the poles, the gyrocompass provides consistent directional orientation.
Compass
Less effective in high latitudes.
Navigating near the magnetic poles with a magnetic compass can be challenging.
Gyrocompass
A gyrocompass is a type of non-magnetic compass which is based on a fast-spinning disc and the rotation of the Earth (or another planetary body if used elsewhere in the universe) to find geographical direction automatically. The use of a gyrocompass is one of the seven fundamental ways to determine the heading of a vehicle.
Compass
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north.
Gyrocompass
A compass with a motorized gyroscope whose angular momentum interacts with the force produced by the earth's rotation to maintain a north-south orientation of the gyroscopic spin axis, thereby providing a stable directional reference.
Compass
An instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it
Walkers should be equipped with a map and compass
A magnetic compass
Crewe was ideally placed on the rail network, with connections running to all points of the compass
Gyrocompass
A north-seeking form of gyroscope used as a directional reference in navigation.
Compass
An instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint, one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen
A regular heptagon cannot be constructed accurately with only ruler and compass
Gyrocompass
To use a gyrocompass.
Compass
The range or scope of something
The event had political repercussions which are beyond the compass of this book
Goods and services which fall within the compass of the free market
Gyrocompass
A compass that does not depend on magnetism but uses a gyroscope instead
Compass
Go round (something) in a circular course
The ship wherein Magellan compassed the world
Compass
Contrive to accomplish (something)
He compassed his end only by the exercise of violence
Compass
A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field.
Compass
Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
Compass
A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses.
Compass
Awareness or understanding of one's purpose or objectives
"Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Compass
An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference
Outside the compass of the fence.
Compass
A restricted space or area
Four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.
Compass
Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority
The subject falls outside the compass of this study.
Compass
(Music) See range.
Compass
To make a circuit of; circle
The sailboat compassed the island.
Compass
To surround; encircle
The trees compass the grave.
Compass
To understand; comprehend
"God ... is too great a profundity to be compassed by human cerebration" (Flann O'Brian).
Compass
To accomplish or bring about
"He compassed his end only by the exercise of gentle violence" (Henry James).
Compass
To gain or achieve
"She had compassed the high felicity of seeing the two men beautifully take to each another" (Henry James).
Compass
Forming a curve.
Compass
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
Compass
A pair of compasses (a device used to draw an arc or circle).
Compass
(music) The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
Compass
(obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
Compass
(obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
Within the compass of an encircling wall
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
Compass
(archaic) Scope.
Compass
(obsolete) Range, reach.
Compass
(obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
Compass
To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
Compass
To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
Compass
(dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
Compass
(dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).
Compass
(obsolete) In a circuit; round about.
Compass
A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
They fetched a compass of seven day's journey.
This day I breathed first; time is come round,And where I did begin, there shall I end;My life is run his compass.
Compass
An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
Compass
An inclosed space; an area; extent.
Their wisdom . . . lies in a very narrow compass.
Compass
Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
The compass of his argument.
Compass
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; - used with within.
In two hundred years before (I speak within compass), no such commission had been executed.
Compass
The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass.
Compass
An instrument for determining directions upon the earth's surface by means of a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a northerly and southerly direction.
He that first discovered the use of the compass did more for the supplying and increase of useful commodities than those who built workhouses.
Compass
A pair of compasses.
To fix one foot of their compass wherever they please.
Compass
A circle; a continent.
The tryne compas [the threefold world containing earth, sea, and heaven. Skeat.]
Its leaves are turned to the north as true as the magnet:This is the compass flower.
Compass
To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
Ye shall compass the city seven times.
We the globe can compass soon.
Compass
To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; - used with about, round, around, and round about.
With terrors and with clamors compassed round.
Now all the blessingsOf a glad father compass thee about.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round.
Compass
To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
If I can check my erring love, I will:If not, to compass her I'll use my skill.
How can you hope to compass your designs?
Compass
To curve; to bend into a circular form.
Compass
Navigational instrument for finding directions
Compass
An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
The range of a supersonic jet
The ambit of municipal legislation
Within the compass of this article
Within the scope of an investigation
Outside the reach of the law
In the political orbit of a world power
Compass
The limit of capability;
Within the compass of education
Compass
Drafting instrument used for drawing circles
Compass
Bring about; accomplish;
This writer attempts more than his talents can compass
Compass
Travel around, either by plane or ship;
We compassed the earth
Compass
Get the meaning of something;
Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
Common Curiosities
Why is a magnetic compass still used if the gyrocompass is more accurate?
The magnetic compass is simpler, does not require power, and is sufficient for many navigation tasks.
Why is a gyrocompass preferred in professional maritime navigation?
Its precision and reliability, especially in challenging navigation conditions, make it indispensable for professional use.
Is a gyrocompass affected by magnetic storms?
No, gyrocompasses are not influenced by magnetic fields or anomalies, including magnetic storms.
Can a magnetic compass be used on an airplane?
While possible, airplanes typically use gyrocompasses for their navigation due to the need for precise orientation.
How does the gyrocompass find true north?
It utilizes the Earth's rotation and the principles of gyrostabilization and precession to align with true north.
What is the main advantage of a gyrocompass over a magnetic compass?
The gyrocompass's ability to find true north regardless of magnetic variations is its main advantage.
What kind of maintenance does a gyrocompass require?
It requires regular checks and maintenance of its mechanical and electronic components to ensure accuracy.
Can a gyrocompass work anywhere on Earth?
Yes, a gyrocompass can operate effectively at any latitude on Earth.
What happens to a magnetic compass at the magnetic poles?
Near the magnetic poles, a magnetic compass may not function correctly due to the vertical inclination of the magnetic field.
How do magnetic anomalies affect a magnetic compass?
Magnetic anomalies can cause the compass needle to deviate from true magnetic north, leading to navigation errors.
Do gyrocompasses have any limitations?
Their main limitations are the need for electricity and the initial cost and maintenance required.
What safety measures are associated with using a gyrocompass and magnetic compass?
Safe navigation requires understanding the limitations and proper use of each compass type, ensuring reliability in diverse conditions.
How does latitude affect a magnetic compass?
At high latitudes, the Earth's magnetic field lines are more vertical, which can cause the compass needle to tilt or become unreliable.
Can a gyrocompass be used for land navigation?
While not typically used for land navigation due to cost and complexity, it could theoretically provide accurate directions.
How does temperature affect these navigation tools?
A gyrocompass's electronics may require temperature management, while a magnetic compass's fluid can freeze or expand in extreme temperatures.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
