gyrocompass
Spinning navigation device
A gyrocompass is a navigational instrument that uses a spinning gyroscope to find true north, unlike a magnetic compass which points to magnetic north.
The gyroscope's axis aligns with Earth's rotation, making it unaffected by magnetic interference from metal hulls or electrical equipment.
Gyrocompasses are standard on ships and aircraft: The captain checked the gyrocompass heading.
Direction to the pole
- magnetic northCompass-indicated pole direction
- bearingPosture or orientation
- headingDirectional course traveled
- azimuthHorizontal directional angle
meridian · cardinal direction · reference point · deviation · variation · directional · earth rotation · alignment
Seagoing transport vessel
- vesselReceptacle for contents
- navigationDetermining position and course
- helmVessel's steering mechanism
- rudderPivoting stern blade
bearing · course · latitude · longitude · chart · nautical · mariner · captain
Spinning mechanical assembly
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- axisRotation reference line
- precessionRotating axis gradually reorients
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
gimbals · electromechanical · fiber-optic · accelerometer · inertial · sensor · servomechanism · feedback
Airborne transportation vehicle
- avionicsAircraft electronic equipment
- autopilotAutomated vehicle guidance system
- cockpitPilot's control compartment
- flight deckPilot's control area
heading · attitude indicator · instrument panel · altimeter · transponder · radar · fly-by-wire · navigation system
Degree of correctness
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- error correctionFixing identified mistakes
- reliabilityConsistent, predictable performance
- consistencyReliable adherence to standards
alignment · sensitivity · resolution · steady-state · repeatability · tolerance · correction · compensation
true north
Direction to the pole
- magnetic northCompass-indicated pole direction
- bearingPosture or orientation
- headingDirectional course traveled
azimuth · meridian · cardinal direction · reference point · deviation · variation · directional · earth rotation · alignment · calibration
ship
Seagoing transport vessel
- vesselReceptacle for contents
- navigationDetermining position and course
- helmVessel's steering mechanism
rudder · bearing · course · latitude · longitude · chart · nautical · mariner · captain · deck
rotor
Spinning mechanical assembly
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- axisRotation reference line
- precessionRotating axis gradually reorients
angular momentum · gimbals · electromechanical · fiber-optic · accelerometer · inertial · sensor · servomechanism · feedback · stabilization
aircraft
Airborne transportation vehicle
- avionicsAircraft electronic equipment
- autopilotAutomated vehicle guidance system
- cockpitPilot's control compartment
flight deck · heading · attitude indicator · instrument panel · altimeter · transponder · radar · fly-by-wire · navigation system · pilot
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- error correctionFixing identified mistakes
- reliabilityConsistent, predictable performance
consistency · alignment · sensitivity · resolution · steady-state · repeatability · tolerance · correction · compensation · reference standard
- navigationsigns, charts, navbar, headings, maps
- navigation toolsGoogle Maps, GPS, Waze, Apple Maps, MapQuest
- compassesnorth, south, east, west, northeast
- marine navigationnautical charts, marine charts, buoys, markers, radar
- ship equipmentbilge pump, ballast, capstan, cargo crane, main engine
- gyroscopesgyrostabilizer
gyrocompassmagnetic compass
North-seeking navigation instrument
mariner's compass · magnetometer · GPS · astrolabe · sextant
compass, gyro, encompass, gyrate, compasses, gyration, gyroscope, gyrating, compassed