About GPS-GAP - Innovations
Top 25 Innovations over the lat 25 years
GPS helps scientists to study the
dynamics of the earth, ranging from motions of the center of mass
of the earth to tectonic plate motions to irregular variations of
the earth orientation. GPS significantly contributes to the
spatial and temporal mapping to the troposphere and ionosphere,
and to positioning of non-GPS satellites. It provides timing
references that support computer networks, telecommunications and
power grids. Other applications which readily come to mind are
those on the surface of the earth and in the adjacent air space.
This space utility has become an essential part of the national
economies, generating immeasurable economic value and touching the
lives of most civilians. The applications are too numerous to be
listed.
CNN recently broadcast a show on
the Top 25 Innovations over the last 25 years as judged by a panel
of technology leaders assembled by the Lemelson-MIT Program. In
creating the list, the group hoped to single out "25 non-medically
related technological innovations that have become widely used
since 1980, are readily recognizable by most Americans, have had
direct and perceptible impact on our everyday lives, and/or could
dramatically affect our lives in future."
The ordered list follows:
1. The Internet
2. Cell phone
3. Personal computers
4. Fiber optics
5. E-mail
6. Commercialized GPS
7. Portable computers
8. Memory storage discs
9. Consumer level digital
camera
10. Radio frequency ID tags
11. MEMS
12. DNA fingerprinting
13. Air bags
14. ATM
15. Batteries: nickel-metal
hydride and lithium-ion batteries
16. Hybrid car
17. OLEDs
18. Display panels
19. HDTV
20. Space shuttle
21. Nanotechnology
22. Flash memory
23. Voice mail
24. Modern hearing aids
25. Short Range, High Frequency
Radio
Source: EDACafe Weekly Magazine -
January 31, 2005. (www.edacafe.com)
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