Difference between revisions of "Tech Level Comparison Chart"
(14 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown) | |||
Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
== Area Technology Levels == | == Area Technology Levels == | ||
− | The default [[Technology Level]] scale describes a general advancement of technology. However, few cultures follow the exact pattern of technical achievement in theoretical science implied by the standard TL system. {{Page cite|name=First In|version=GURPS Traveller|page=108}} The Technological Profile divides the Technology Level | + | The default [[Technology Level]] scale describes a general advancement of technology. However, few cultures follow the exact pattern of technical achievement in theoretical science implied by the standard TL system. {{Page cite|name=First In|version=GURPS Traveller|page=108}} The Technological Profile divides the Technology Level into several areas (known as Area Tech Level or ATL), each assigned an individual level index. |
− | + | The Comparison tables divide the general technology level into four broad areas, which are then further divided into related technologies. While the system presented here is widely used in the Imperium, it is by no means universal. There are several alternative profile systems in use. | |
− | The | ||
− | Where the theoretical technologies exceed the base TL | + | === Theoretical Technology === |
+ | The Theoretical technologies underlie all the other advancements. In the condensed form, the Technology Level combines the knowledge of the workings of the physical universe with the ability to use that knowledge to produce valuable goods and services. Within the technological profiles, these two items have been split into separate items. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Where the theoretical technologies exceed the base TL of the other areas of technology, there have been breakthroughs in understanding which have not yet been produced in changes to society. | ||
; Physical Science | ; Physical Science | ||
− | : The | + | : The fundamental theoretical understanding of the physical universe. Covers the areas of physics and chemistry. |
; Material Science / Manufacturing | ; Material Science / Manufacturing | ||
: The technology of material processing and manufacturing. The processes required to take raw materials and process them into functional and usable goods. | : The technology of material processing and manufacturing. The processes required to take raw materials and process them into functional and usable goods. | ||
Line 18: | Line 20: | ||
; Cultural Science | ; Cultural Science | ||
: The workings of how a society is organized and works together to produce and use tools. Include education of the next generation of workers to extend and expand technology. | : The workings of how a society is organized and works together to produce and use tools. Include education of the next generation of workers to extend and expand technology. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 95%;text-align: center;margin: auto" | |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 95%;align: center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Theoretical Technologies | ! colspan="5" | Theoretical Technologies | ||
Line 61: | Line 31: | ||
! Cultural Science | ! Cultural Science | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 0 | |
| Animistic explanations | | Animistic explanations | ||
| Found materials: Stone, wood, grasses, bone, fur | | Found materials: Stone, wood, grasses, bone, fur | ||
| Useful animals are domesticated | | Useful animals are domesticated | ||
− | | Tribal gatherings | + | | Tribal gatherings, Barter |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 1 | |
| Engineering by estimates, Astronomy | | Engineering by estimates, Astronomy | ||
− | | | + | | Metalworking, quarried stone, glass, cement, concrete |
| Selective breeding | | Selective breeding | ||
− | | | + | | Kingdoms, Written Law, Universal religions |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 2 | |
− | | Telescopes | + | | Telescopes, Navigation |
− | | Hard steel | + | | Hard steel |
| Understanding of Anatomy, microorganism | | Understanding of Anatomy, microorganism | ||
− | | Cities, Nations | + | | Cities, Nations, Widespread literacy |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 3 | |
| Laws of motion, engineering by math | | Laws of motion, engineering by math | ||
− | | Steel as structural material | + | | Steel as a structural material |
| Theory of evolution, germ theory of disease | | Theory of evolution, germ theory of disease | ||
| Democracies | | Democracies | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 4 | |
| | | | ||
− | | Skyscrapers, armored vehicles | + | | Aluminum, Skyscrapers, armored vehicles |
| Medical theories are further advanced | | Medical theories are further advanced | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 5 | |
| First estimates of Quantum mechanics and relativity | | First estimates of Quantum mechanics and relativity | ||
| Plastics and other synthetic materials | | Plastics and other synthetic materials | ||
Line 97: | Line 67: | ||
| Dictatorships | | Dictatorships | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 6 | |
| Theory of Electronics | | Theory of Electronics | ||
− | | Fiberglass | + | | Fiberglass, Titanium |
| | | | ||
| Superpowers, global nation states | | Superpowers, global nation states | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 7 | |
| Classification of quantum mechanics | | Classification of quantum mechanics | ||
| Composite and advanced ceramics | | Composite and advanced ceramics | ||
− | | Discovery of DNA, Genome mapping | + | | Discovery of DNA, Genome mapping, Artificial Organs |
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 8 | |
| Grand Unified theory for gravity control, Photonics | | Grand Unified theory for gravity control, Photonics | ||
| Micro-level manufacturing, advanced composites | | Micro-level manufacturing, advanced composites | ||
Line 115: | Line 85: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 9 | |
| Detailed gravity manipulation, Jump space described | | Detailed gravity manipulation, Jump space described | ||
| [[Crystaliron]], industrial composite metals, Fluidics | | [[Crystaliron]], industrial composite metals, Fluidics | ||
Line 121: | Line 91: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 10 | |
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
Line 127: | Line 97: | ||
| Non-geographic communities | | Non-geographic communities | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 11 | |
| | | | ||
| Magnetics | | Magnetics | ||
Line 133: | Line 103: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 12 | |
− | | Unified theory to manipulate | + | | Unified theory to manipulate solid and weak forces |
| Superdense materials | | Superdense materials | ||
| Nanosurgery, brain implants | | Nanosurgery, brain implants | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 13 | |
| Completed theory of biologics | | Completed theory of biologics | ||
| | | | ||
Line 144: | Line 114: | ||
| Widespread robotic workforce | | Widespread robotic workforce | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 14 | |
| Creation of gravity fields at a distance | | Creation of gravity fields at a distance | ||
| Industrial Nanotechnology, [[Bonded Superdense]] | | Industrial Nanotechnology, [[Bonded Superdense]] | ||
Line 150: | Line 120: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 15 | |
| Unifying theory for normal and jump spaces | | Unifying theory for normal and jump spaces | ||
| | | | ||
Line 156: | Line 126: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 16 | |
| Discovery of Hop space | | Discovery of Hop space | ||
− | | Collapsed | + | | Collapsed Crystalline |
| | | | ||
| Artificial persons | | Artificial persons | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 17 | |
| | | | ||
| [[Coherent Superdense]] | | [[Coherent Superdense]] | ||
Line 168: | Line 138: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 18 | |
| | | | ||
| Enhanced Coherent Superdense | | Enhanced Coherent Superdense | ||
Line 174: | Line 144: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 19 | |
| Discovery of Skip Space | | Discovery of Skip Space | ||
| | | | ||
Line 180: | Line 150: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 20 | |
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 21 | |
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
Line 192: | Line 162: | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | === Quality of Life Technology === | ||
+ | Quality of Life technologies are essential to the world's quality of life. These are the basics of technology building on the Theoretical technologies. | ||
+ | ; Energy | ||
+ | : Energy technologies are the ability to produce, store, and make use of energy for all purposes. | ||
+ | ; Information | ||
+ | : Technology involving information processing, including computer technologies and robotics | ||
+ | ; Communications | ||
+ | : Technologies involving communications processing, including gathering, storing, and disseminating information. | ||
+ | ; Medicine / Life sciences | ||
+ | : Technology involving the care and healing of living things, applied biological sciences, and genetics. | ||
+ | ; Environment | ||
+ | : Technology involving the maintenance of ecosystems. This includes the ability to avoid damaging the environment, reconstruct damaged ecosystems, and [[Terraforming]] planets. | ||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 95%;text-align: center;margin: auto" | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="width: | ||
|- | |- | ||
!colspan="6"| Quality of life Technologies | !colspan="6"| Quality of life Technologies | ||
Line 243: | Line 186: | ||
! Environment | ! Environment | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 0 | |
| Muscles, Domestic Animals | | Muscles, Domestic Animals | ||
| Memorization | | Memorization | ||
Line 250: | Line 193: | ||
| Simple Structures, Primitive Agriculture | | Simple Structures, Primitive Agriculture | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 1 | |
| Water wheels, Wood and Charcoal, Windmills | | Water wheels, Wood and Charcoal, Windmills | ||
| [[Abacus]] | | [[Abacus]] | ||
| Writing, Paper | | Writing, Paper | ||
| Basic Diagnosis | | Basic Diagnosis | ||
− | | Settlements, Cities, Irrigation, Canals | + | | Settlements, Cities, Irrigation, Canals |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 2 | |
| Clockworks | | Clockworks | ||
| Advanced Mathematics | | Advanced Mathematics | ||
| Printing presses | | Printing presses | ||
| Internal Anatomy | | Internal Anatomy | ||
+ | | Advanced Agriculture | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 3 | |
| Steam Engines, primitive batteries | | Steam Engines, primitive batteries | ||
| | | | ||
Line 270: | Line 214: | ||
| [[Wikipedia:Cement|Cement Structures]] | | [[Wikipedia:Cement|Cement Structures]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 4 | |
| Electricity | | Electricity | ||
| Mechanical Calculators | | Mechanical Calculators | ||
Line 277: | Line 221: | ||
| Skyscrapers | | Skyscrapers | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 5 | |
| Petrochemicals, Steam Turbine, Electrical grid | | Petrochemicals, Steam Turbine, Electrical grid | ||
| Electric Calculators | | Electric Calculators | ||
Line 284: | Line 228: | ||
| Sealed/Conditioned Cities | | Sealed/Conditioned Cities | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 6 | |
− | | Nuclear Fission | + | | [[Wikipedia:Nuclear power|Nuclear Fission]] |
− | | [[Electronics|Electronic]] Computers | + | | [[Electronics|Electronic]] Computers |
| Television, Video Recording | | Television, Video Recording | ||
| Reconstructive Surgery | | Reconstructive Surgery | ||
| [[wikipedia:Weather_forecasting|Weather Prediction]], Underground Cities | | [[wikipedia:Weather_forecasting|Weather Prediction]], Underground Cities | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 7 | |
| Geothermal, Solar, Primitive Fuel Cells, [[Radiothermal Portable Generator|Radiothermal generators]] | | Geothermal, Solar, Primitive Fuel Cells, [[Radiothermal Portable Generator|Radiothermal generators]] | ||
| Desktop Computers, Expert systems | | Desktop Computers, Expert systems | ||
Line 298: | Line 242: | ||
| Early orbital stations | | Early orbital stations | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 8 | |
| MHD Turbine, Superconductors, | | MHD Turbine, Superconductors, | ||
| Voice Transcription, Massive Parallel computers, Low Data Robots | | Voice Transcription, Massive Parallel computers, Low Data Robots | ||
− | | Hand Computer, Ubiquitous | + | | Hand Computer, Ubiquitous networking, Fiber optic communications |
| Full functioning prosthetics, Artificial Organs, [[Metabolics]] | | Full functioning prosthetics, Artificial Organs, [[Metabolics]] | ||
| Orbital Settlements, Early Weather Control | | Orbital Settlements, Early Weather Control | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 9 | |
| Early Fusion | | Early Fusion | ||
− | | Non- | + | | Non-volatile data storage, High Data robots, Voice command |
| [[Holovideo]] recording and transmission | | [[Holovideo]] recording and transmission | ||
− | | Cyrogenics, Limb Regeneration | + | | [[Low Berth|Cyrogenics suspension]], Limb Regeneration |
| [[Arcology|Arcologies]], Orbital Cities | | [[Arcology|Arcologies]], Orbital Cities | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 10 | |
| Practical [[Fusion Plant|Fusion]] | | Practical [[Fusion Plant|Fusion]] | ||
| Early Synaptic processors | | Early Synaptic processors | ||
| | | | ||
− | | Anti-Virals, [[Metabolic Chamber|Growth | + | | Anti-Virals, [[Metabolic Chamber|Growth Quickening]], enhanced prosthetics |
− | | Practical weather control | + | | Practical weather control, Artificial Gravity, Under sea cities |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 11 | |
| [[Fusion+]] | | [[Fusion+]] | ||
| Synaptic Learning Processors | | Synaptic Learning Processors | ||
Line 326: | Line 270: | ||
| [[Gravity control technology|Gravitic]] Structure Support | | [[Gravity control technology|Gravitic]] Structure Support | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 12 | |
| Advanced Fuel Cells | | Advanced Fuel Cells | ||
| Low Autonomous Robots, [[Positronic Brain]] | | Low Autonomous Robots, [[Positronic Brain]] | ||
Line 333: | Line 277: | ||
| Major Terraforming, Advanced Weather Control | | Major Terraforming, Advanced Weather Control | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 13 | |
| | | | ||
| High Autonomous Robots, Holographic storage | | High Autonomous Robots, Holographic storage | ||
Line 340: | Line 284: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 14 | |
| Exotic Collectors | | Exotic Collectors | ||
− | | | + | | Augmented Reality |
| | | | ||
| [[Genetic Engineering]], Memory erasure, Temporary [[Personality Recording|Personality]] Transfer | | [[Genetic Engineering]], Memory erasure, Temporary [[Personality Recording|Personality]] Transfer | ||
| Ecopoiesis | | Ecopoiesis | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 15 | |
| | | | ||
| Pseudo-Reality Computers, | | Pseudo-Reality Computers, | ||
Line 354: | Line 298: | ||
| Complex Terraforming | | Complex Terraforming | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 16 | |
| | | | ||
| Low Artificial Intelligence robots | | Low Artificial Intelligence robots | ||
Line 361: | Line 305: | ||
| Global Terraforming | | Global Terraforming | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 17 | |
| Early [[Antimatter]] Plants | | Early [[Antimatter]] Plants | ||
| High Artificial Intelligence, Self-Aware Robots | | High Artificial Intelligence, Self-Aware Robots | ||
Line 368: | Line 312: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 18 | |
| | | | ||
| Robots become Society's Basic Workforce | | Robots become Society's Basic Workforce | ||
Line 375: | Line 319: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 19 | |
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
− | | Non- | + | | Non-cryogenic suspension, Advanced Bio-engineering |
| [[Total Terraforming]] | | [[Total Terraforming]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 20 | |
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
Line 389: | Line 333: | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! 21 | |
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
Line 397: | Line 341: | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | + | === Transportation Technology === | |
− | + | Technologies for moving goods and people, including the design of vehicles and other transport systems. | |
− | + | ; Land Transportation | |
− | + | : Motive transportation on the Ground, including wheeled and tracked vehicles, walkers of all types, and sleds. | |
− | + | ; Water | |
− | + | : Motive transportation on water, including rafts, boats, and submarines. | |
− | + | ; Air | |
− | + | : Motive transportation through the air, including planes, helicopters, balloons, and [[Gravity Control Technology|Grav]] craft. | |
− | + | ; Space | |
− | + | : Motive transportation through the depths of space. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | | | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 95%;text-align: center;margin: auto" | |
− | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
!colspan="6"| '''Transportation Tech Comparison''' | !colspan="6"| '''Transportation Tech Comparison''' | ||
Line 595: | Line 381: | ||
|- | |- | ||
!3 | !3 | ||
− | |Extensive | + | |Extensive Roads, Trains, Railroads |
|[[Wikipedia:Steamship|Steamships]], Navigation | |[[Wikipedia:Steamship|Steamships]], Navigation | ||
|Manned [[Hot Air Balloon]]s | |Manned [[Hot Air Balloon]]s | ||
Line 644: | Line 430: | ||
!11 | !11 | ||
|align="Center" colspan="3"|Personal G-Tubes, [[Gravity control technology|HV Grav Modules]] | |align="Center" colspan="3"|Personal G-Tubes, [[Gravity control technology|HV Grav Modules]] | ||
− | |[[Jump Drive]]-2, [[ | + | |[[Jump Drive]]-2, [[T-Drive|Thruster]]Technology<ref name=TIW/> |
|- | |- | ||
!12 | !12 | ||
Line 682: | Line 468: | ||
=== Military Technology === | === Military Technology === | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" | + | Military technology combines the quality of life technology area of a precise nature with Transportation technology. This covers weapons from personal-sized to starship-mounted weapons systems, defensive systems, and sensor systems. |
+ | ; Weapons Technology | ||
+ | : The offensive portion of military technology. | ||
+ | ; Defensive systems | ||
+ | : The defensive portion includes armor, camouflage, active defensive systems, and screens of various sorts. | ||
+ | ; Sensors | ||
+ | : Sensors systems are the eyes of military technology, combined with vehicle systems and computer technology to make robots. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 95%;text-align: center;margin: auto" | ||
|- | |- | ||
!colspan="6"| '''Military Tech Comparison''' | !colspan="6"| '''Military Tech Comparison''' | ||
Line 740: | Line 534: | ||
!8 | !8 | ||
|RAM Grenade Launchers, Early [[Laser Weapons|Laser Carbine]] | |RAM Grenade Launchers, Early [[Laser Weapons|Laser Carbine]] | ||
− | | colspan="1" rowspan="2"|[[Particle Accelerator]]s, [[Target | + | | colspan="1" rowspan="2"|[[Particle Accelerator]]s, [[Target Designated Missile]]s |
|- | |- | ||
!9 | !9 | ||
|[[Laser Weapons]] | |[[Laser Weapons]] | ||
− | |[[Ablative Armour]] | + | |[[Ablative Armour]], Electrostatic Armor |
|[[Light Weight Composite Laminate]] | |[[Light Weight Composite Laminate]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 782: | Line 576: | ||
|- | |- | ||
!17 | !17 | ||
− | |Fusion Rifle, | + | |Fusion Rifle, Plasma Pistol |
|[[Disintegrator Weapons|Disintegrators]], [[Antimatter Warhead]]s | |[[Disintegrator Weapons|Disintegrators]], [[Antimatter Warhead]]s | ||
| colspan="1" rowspan="2"|[[Coherent Superdense]] | | colspan="1" rowspan="2"|[[Coherent Superdense]] | ||
Line 805: | Line 599: | ||
|[[Jump Damper]] | |[[Jump Damper]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
− | + | {{Referral-Tree-Technology-Levels}} | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | --- | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) == | == References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) == | ||
{{Metadata}} | {{Metadata}} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable | + | {| class="wikitable" |
! '''GURPS Traveller Notes:''' An array of notes regarding the similarities and differences between Traveller TL and GURPS TL can be found here: [[Tech Level Comparison Chart/meta]] | ! '''GURPS Traveller Notes:''' An array of notes regarding the similarities and differences between Traveller TL and GURPS TL can be found here: [[Tech Level Comparison Chart/meta]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 893: | Line 633: | ||
| External Link: [http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/savage/1WorldOrder/Home-Rules/Ages_of_Traveller.html Technology Ages of Traveller (in MTU)] by [[Admiral Savage]] | | External Link: [http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/savage/1WorldOrder/Home-Rules/Ages_of_Traveller.html Technology Ages of Traveller (in MTU)] by [[Admiral Savage]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
{{LE|Charted Space|Science|Technology}} | {{LE|Charted Space|Science|Technology}} |
Latest revision as of 05:26, 16 November 2023
The Tech Level Comparison Chart was developed by the IISS, based upon research dating back to the earliest First Imperium publications. This has recognized the importance of technology and developing a comprehensive system of classifying technology.
Area Technology Levels[edit]
The default Technology Level scale describes a general advancement of technology. However, few cultures follow the exact pattern of technical achievement in theoretical science implied by the standard TL system. [1] The Technological Profile divides the Technology Level into several areas (known as Area Tech Level or ATL), each assigned an individual level index.
The Comparison tables divide the general technology level into four broad areas, which are then further divided into related technologies. While the system presented here is widely used in the Imperium, it is by no means universal. There are several alternative profile systems in use.
Theoretical Technology[edit]
The Theoretical technologies underlie all the other advancements. In the condensed form, the Technology Level combines the knowledge of the workings of the physical universe with the ability to use that knowledge to produce valuable goods and services. Within the technological profiles, these two items have been split into separate items.
Where the theoretical technologies exceed the base TL of the other areas of technology, there have been breakthroughs in understanding which have not yet been produced in changes to society.
- Physical Science
- The fundamental theoretical understanding of the physical universe. Covers the areas of physics and chemistry.
- Material Science / Manufacturing
- The technology of material processing and manufacturing. The processes required to take raw materials and process them into functional and usable goods.
- Biological Science
- The theoretical workings of biology and life forms.
- Cultural Science
- The workings of how a society is organized and works together to produce and use tools. Include education of the next generation of workers to extend and expand technology.
Theoretical Technologies | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
TL | Physical Science | Material Science | Biological Science | Cultural Science |
0 | Animistic explanations | Found materials: Stone, wood, grasses, bone, fur | Useful animals are domesticated | Tribal gatherings, Barter |
1 | Engineering by estimates, Astronomy | Metalworking, quarried stone, glass, cement, concrete | Selective breeding | Kingdoms, Written Law, Universal religions |
2 | Telescopes, Navigation | Hard steel | Understanding of Anatomy, microorganism | Cities, Nations, Widespread literacy |
3 | Laws of motion, engineering by math | Steel as a structural material | Theory of evolution, germ theory of disease | Democracies |
4 | Aluminum, Skyscrapers, armored vehicles | Medical theories are further advanced | ||
5 | First estimates of Quantum mechanics and relativity | Plastics and other synthetic materials | Biochemistry, discovery of viruses | Dictatorships |
6 | Theory of Electronics | Fiberglass, Titanium | Superpowers, global nation states | |
7 | Classification of quantum mechanics | Composite and advanced ceramics | Discovery of DNA, Genome mapping, Artificial Organs | |
8 | Grand Unified theory for gravity control, Photonics | Micro-level manufacturing, advanced composites | Gene therapy, Systems ecology | |
9 | Detailed gravity manipulation, Jump space described | Crystaliron, industrial composite metals, Fluidics | Introduction of Cybertechnology | |
10 | Non-geographic communities | |||
11 | Magnetics | Computer implantation | ||
12 | Unified theory to manipulate solid and weak forces | Superdense materials | Nanosurgery, brain implants | |
13 | Completed theory of biologics | First detailed theory of aging | Widespread robotic workforce | |
14 | Creation of gravity fields at a distance | Industrial Nanotechnology, Bonded Superdense | Theory of memory, Geneering, Personality Transfers | |
15 | Unifying theory for normal and jump spaces | Full understanding of immune systems and aging | ||
16 | Discovery of Hop space | Collapsed Crystalline | Artificial persons | |
17 | Coherent Superdense | |||
18 | Enhanced Coherent Superdense | |||
19 | Discovery of Skip Space | |||
20 | ||||
21 | Deconstruction of Cities |
Quality of Life Technology[edit]
Quality of Life technologies are essential to the world's quality of life. These are the basics of technology building on the Theoretical technologies.
- Energy
- Energy technologies are the ability to produce, store, and make use of energy for all purposes.
- Information
- Technology involving information processing, including computer technologies and robotics
- Communications
- Technologies involving communications processing, including gathering, storing, and disseminating information.
- Medicine / Life sciences
- Technology involving the care and healing of living things, applied biological sciences, and genetics.
- Environment
- Technology involving the maintenance of ecosystems. This includes the ability to avoid damaging the environment, reconstruct damaged ecosystems, and Terraforming planets.
Quality of life Technologies | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TL | Energy | Information | Communications | Medicine / Life sciences | Environment |
0 | Muscles, Domestic Animals | Memorization | Spoken Word | Mystics/Herbology | Simple Structures, Primitive Agriculture |
1 | Water wheels, Wood and Charcoal, Windmills | Abacus | Writing, Paper | Basic Diagnosis | Settlements, Cities, Irrigation, Canals |
2 | Clockworks | Advanced Mathematics | Printing presses | Internal Anatomy | Advanced Agriculture |
3 | Steam Engines, primitive batteries | Photography, Telegraphy | Crude Surgery | Cement Structures | |
4 | Electricity | Mechanical Calculators | Motion Pictures, Telephone | Antiseptics, Anesthetics, Vaccination | Skyscrapers |
5 | Petrochemicals, Steam Turbine, Electrical grid | Electric Calculators | Radio Broadcasting, Audio Recording | Internal Imaging, Crude Prosthetic | Sealed/Conditioned Cities |
6 | Nuclear Fission | Electronic Computers | Television, Video Recording | Reconstructive Surgery | Weather Prediction, Underground Cities |
7 | Geothermal, Solar, Primitive Fuel Cells, Radiothermal generators | Desktop Computers, Expert systems | Computing Networks, Satellite communications | Organ Transplants, Slow Drug | Early orbital stations |
8 | MHD Turbine, Superconductors, | Voice Transcription, Massive Parallel computers, Low Data Robots | Hand Computer, Ubiquitous networking, Fiber optic communications | Full functioning prosthetics, Artificial Organs, Metabolics | Orbital Settlements, Early Weather Control |
9 | Early Fusion | Non-volatile data storage, High Data robots, Voice command | Holovideo recording and transmission | Cyrogenics suspension, Limb Regeneration | Arcologies, Orbital Cities |
10 | Practical Fusion | Early Synaptic processors | Anti-Virals, Growth Quickening, enhanced prosthetics | Practical weather control, Artificial Gravity, Under sea cities | |
11 | Fusion+ | Synaptic Learning Processors | Nerve Refusion, Direct computer implantation | Gravitic Structure Support | |
12 | Advanced Fuel Cells | Low Autonomous Robots, Positronic Brain | Real-time Multilingual Translators | Anti-geriatrics, Broad Spectrum Anti-toxins, Personality Recording | Major Terraforming, Advanced Weather Control |
13 | High Autonomous Robots, Holographic storage | Effective Cloning, Wafer Technology | |||
14 | Exotic Collectors | Augmented Reality | Genetic Engineering, Memory erasure, Temporary Personality Transfer | Ecopoiesis | |
15 | Pseudo-Reality Computers, | Meson Communicators, Pseudo-Reality Communications | Anagathics | Complex Terraforming | |
16 | Low Artificial Intelligence robots | Brain Transplants | Global Terraforming | ||
17 | Early Antimatter Plants | High Artificial Intelligence, Self-Aware Robots | Intelligent Antibodies, Permanent Personality Transfer | ||
18 | Robots become Society's Basic Workforce | ||||
19 | Non-cryogenic suspension, Advanced Bio-engineering | Total Terraforming | |||
20 | |||||
21 | Early Total Rejuvenation |
Transportation Technology[edit]
Technologies for moving goods and people, including the design of vehicles and other transport systems.
- Land Transportation
- Motive transportation on the Ground, including wheeled and tracked vehicles, walkers of all types, and sleds.
- Water
- Motive transportation on water, including rafts, boats, and submarines.
- Air
- Motive transportation through the air, including planes, helicopters, balloons, and Grav craft.
- Space
- Motive transportation through the depths of space.
Transportation Tech Comparison | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TL | Land | Water | Air | Space | |
0 | Foot - Animals | Raft / Canoe | - | - | |
1 | Wheel - Carts/Chariots | Rowed Galleys, Small Sailing Vessels | - | - | |
2 | Advanced Wheels, Stagecoachs | Multi-Mast Sailing, Oceangoing sailing ships, Crude Navigation | Experimental Kites | - | |
3 | Extensive Roads, Trains, Railroads | Steamships, Navigation | Manned Hot Air Balloons | - | |
4 | Self-propelled vehicles | Ironclads, World wide navigation | Dirigibles, Early Gliders | - | |
5 | Ground Cars, Tracked Vehicles | Personal Self-Propelled Boats, Steel hulls, Early Submersibles | Airplanes, Seaplanes | Unmanned Rockets, Satellites | |
6 | Amphibian Vehicles, ATVs, AFVs | Submersibles, Scuba, Amphibian Vehicles | Early Jet, Helicopters | Orbit capable Rockets | |
7 | Hovercraft, High-Speed Trains | Hydrofoils, Hovercraft | Supersonic Jet, Hang Gliders | Unmanned Space Probes, Gravitic Drive 1,2,3,4 | |
8 | Triphibian Vehicles | Triphibian Vehicles, Early Artificial Gills | Triphibian Vehicles, Hypersonic Jet | Orbital shuttles, Space Stations, Gravitic drive-4, Maneuver Drive-1 | |
9 | Early Grav Vehicles, Ultra High-Speed Trains | Early Grav Vehicles, Artificial Gills | Early Grav Vehicles, Rocket Assist Suborbital | Jump-1 possible, Sublight Stellar - NAFAL Drive, Maneuver Drive | |
10 | Grav Vehicles | UH Grav Modules | Gravitic Maneuver | ||
11 | Personal G-Tubes, HV Grav Modules | Jump Drive-2, ThrusterTechnology[2] | |||
12 | Personal Grav Belts, LT Grav Modules | Jump-3 | |||
13 | Grav Vehicles Merge with Orbital Spacecraft | Jump-4 | |||
14 | Grav Mobile cities | Jump-5 | |||
15 | Jump-6 | ||||
16 | Raw Material Only Short Range Matter Transport | ||||
17 | Inanimate Only Short Range Matter Transport | ||||
18 | Self-Aware Starships, living being portal based Matter Transport | ||||
19 | |||||
20 | - | Mobile Planets | |||
21 | Multi Parsec Range Starship-Sized Matter Transport Portals | Mobile Planets via Jumpspace |
Military Technology[edit]
Military technology combines the quality of life technology area of a precise nature with Transportation technology. This covers weapons from personal-sized to starship-mounted weapons systems, defensive systems, and sensor systems.
- Weapons Technology
- The offensive portion of military technology.
- Defensive systems
- The defensive portion includes armor, camouflage, active defensive systems, and screens of various sorts.
- Sensors
- Sensors systems are the eyes of military technology, combined with vehicle systems and computer technology to make robots.
See also[edit]
Technology levels[edit]
- Technological Systemics
- Foundational Period
- Interstellar Period
- Galactic Period / Accelerating Tech Level
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
This article has metadata. |
GURPS Traveller Notes: An array of notes regarding the similarities and differences between Traveller TL and GURPS TL can be found here: Tech Level Comparison Chart/meta |
---|
This article has two or more sources with conflicting information. Because the conflict has not been resolved, all sources are linked to this article. |
- Marc Miller. Worlds and Adventures (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7-8, 14-15,17.
- Marc Miller. Scouts (Game Designers Workshop, 1983), 26.
- Joe Fugate. Robots (Game Designers Workshop, 1986), 17-20.
- Marc Miller. Merchant Prince (Game Designers Workshop, 1985), 34,37.
- Herb Petro. "Tech Level Expansion." Imperium Staple 07 (1986): 3.
- Loren Wiseman. "Twisting Tech Levels: A Traveller Variant." Challenge 31 (1987): 27.
- Marc Miller. Referee's Companion (Game Designers Workshop, 1988), 26-34.
- Geir Lanesskog. World Builder's Handbook (Mongoose Publishing, 2023), 58,83-86.Joe Fugate, J. Andrew Keith, Gary L. Thomas. World Builder's Handbook (Digest Group Publications, 1989), 58,83-86.
- Frank Chadwick, Dave Nilsen. Fire, Fusion, & Steel (Game Designers Workshop, 1994), 6-8,37.
- David Burden. Pocket Empires (Imperium Games, 1997), 51-52,108.
- Leighton Piper. "Low Tech." Signal-GK 13 (1997): 30-31.
- Jon F. Zeigler. First In (Steve Jackson Games, 1999), 94-95, 108-117.
- K. David Ladage, "Alternate Technological Paths", JTAS Online (2001)
- K. David Ladage, "Alternate Technologies II: Relativity", JTAS Online (2001)
- Martin Dougherty, Hunter Gordon. The Traveller's Handbook (QuikLink Interactive, 2002), 378.
- Ken Pick, "An Analysis of Tech Levels", Freelance Traveller 012 (2010): 10-12
- Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 502-507.
- Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Starships (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 223-237.
- Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Worlds and Adventures (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 19.
- External Link: Technology Ages of Traveller (in MTU) by Admiral Savage
- ↑ Jon F. Zeigler. First In (Steve Jackson Games, 1999), 108.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 In GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars, this module appears in TL-8.