At what latitudes must a gyro compass typically be used?

A gyro compass is primarily used at latitudes of 60 degrees or greater due to the effects of Earth's rotation and the magnetic field. At these higher latitudes, the magnetic compass becomes less reliable because the magnetic meridians converge, making it increasingly difficult to determine true north. The gyro compass, on the other hand, operates based on the principles of gyroscopic stability and inertia, allowing it to provide a stable reference to true north regardless of the vessel's movement or changes in the Earth's magnetic field.

In summary, as latitude increases, the reliance on magnetic compasses diminishes, and the gyro compass becomes essential for accurate navigation, particularly in polar regions where the magnetic poles can cause significant deviations. This precision is critical for safe and effective navigation in areas where traditional magnetic navigation tools are ineffective.