Effects of technology on transportation

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Effect of technology: Transportation

Technology is a general term referred to the processes by which human beings fashion tools and machines to increase their control and understanding of the material environment. Along years historians of science argue that not only that technology is an essential condition of advanced, industrial civilization but also that the rate of technological changes that has developed its own momentum in recent centuries. Innovations now seem to appear at a rate that increases geometrically, without respect to geographical limits or political systems. These innovations tend to transform traditional cultural systems, frequently with unexpected social consequences. Thus technology can be conceived as both a creative and a destructive process.

Moving on to effect of technology on transportation it was noticed that right from middle ages innovations in transportation revolutionized the spread of technologies and ideas across wide areas. Such devices as the horseshoe, the whiffle tree (i.e for harnessing animals to wagons effectively) , and the spring carriage speeded the transfer of people and goods . Important changes also took place in the marine technology. The development of the deep keel, the triangular lateen sail for greater maneuverability, and the magnetic compass (in the 13th century) made sailing ships the most complex machines of the age. A school was established by Prince Henry of Portugal to teach navigators how to use these machines effectively. Perhaps more than did Copernicus's astronomical theories, Prince Henry's students changed humanity's perception of the world. Today we have advanced to such extent that we never imagined of in early centuries, whether it’s the wheel, the jet engine, or the computer chip.

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Nowadays transportation not only means technology but a system of technology, people, energy, money, and more, advancement in technology play a key role in shaping transportation systems, which in turn help to shape our lives, landscapes, and culture. Because transportation is so important to commerce, as in literally and figuratively because of which so much is dependent on it, it has been the focus of an enormous amount of inventive activity. Corporations have invested billions of dollars in improved technology. Individuals have sought their fortunes in breakthroughs big and small.

There are some of the technological advancements ...

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