Since the early 1960s digital imaging has been developing and improving at a rapid pace. First used by the space program and medical research, soon digital imaging technology was being used to view satellite images, character recognition, photo enhancement, medical imaging and more.
With the introduction of microprocessors during the 1970s digital imaging could develop at a more rapid pace. Progress was also made in the technologies of storage and display of the images, paving the way for the development of such useful medical tools as computerized axial tomography or CAT scanning. As digitization began to be utilized more, analog images could be transferred into digital images, which allowed for the restoration and enhancement of archaeological objects. The technology began to be used in a large variety of diverse and useful fields including nuclear medicine, astronomy, law enforcement, manufacturing and defense.
By the end of the 20th century digital photography began to rapidly replace the use of analog film and tape in photography. This was accomplished as the technology of microprocessors and charge-coupled devices (CCDs) advanced. Coupled with the great advances in computer power, these new developments allowed digital imaging and photography to achieve the highest standards.