Another Thomas brainchild: a wireless gadget that can sense its physical location, match it to a geographic database defining the various frequencies in use and then adjust its transmissions to avoid interference.

FORBES: Freeing the Airwaves

NAVTEQ, one of the major map database companies, has more than 1, 100 of what it calls "geographic analysts" around the world, actually driving the roads to verify or correct the database.

CNN: Why your trusty GPS sometimes fails you

The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) is an open, online database and tool on the biodiversity, geographic distribution and abundance of marine life.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

The plan also includes innovative tactics and cutting-edge tools, like geographic information-system maps that combine cartography and database technology to help locate children who have not been reached by vaccinators.

WSJ: Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg: Our Plan to Eradicate Polio

In three phases of research, they worked from a database of 2, 242 managers and executives from 25 companies in four global geographic regions.

FORBES: The Five Dimensions of Learning-Agile Leaders