Gyro

To compensate for misspelling and deviation, the gyrocompass developed for larger vessels. It is based on the fact that a freely suspended fast rotating shaft (gyroscope) sets at a constant angle relative to the ground axis. This makes it completely independent of magnetic errors. On the other hand, a gyro compass must be compensated for speed - a failure display due to the speed, course and latitude of the vessel. However, these variables are readily available in electronic format on board and most modern gyro compasses can, with the help of this information from ex. A GPS and Speed Log automatically correct for this.