Thread by @masonnystrom

The distribution of systems is a growing trend, not just in crypto, but in the broader tech industry.

Edge computing is dispersing data centers.

Agtech is enabling more localized and urbanized production.

The distribution of GPS – a vital technology – is less discussed. 👇🏻

1/The U.S Department of Homeland Security designates 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks – whether physical or virtual – are considered so vital to the U.S.

GPS which relies on satellites underpins 14 of these sectors.
messari.io/article/how-fo…

2/ GPS is relied on for more than just location data.

All GPS clocks are synchronized to within nanoseconds and are able to provide a unified reliable time.

GPS time is used for crucial processes like bouncing calls between cell towers and time-stamp financial trades.

3/ However, GPS has tradeoffs. The ease of access also makes GPS easily exploited, jammed, or spoofed – the act of using malicious software to broadcast phony signals and fool receivers.

GPS spoofing can affect everything from credit card processors to drones.

4/ The Foam protocol – developed by Foamspace – provides the tools to enable a crowdsourced map and decentralized location services.

Unlike GPS which runs via satellites, Foam combines terrestrial radios and an incentivized mapping service that anyone can participate in.

5/ Foam’s proof of location service is incredibly audacious since it requires both a hardware component and the emergence of greater blockchain scalability. While Foam is still experimenting with its hardware devices, the protocol has made some exciting progress in recent months.

6/ Check out the full analysis for the latest on Foam, a breakdown of Foam’s Proof of Location services, and more on how Foam aims to become an alternative to GPS.
messari.io/article/how-fo…