Historically, Australia plays an important role in modern kite development. It was the home to Lawrence Hargrave, inventor and aeronautical researcher who is credited with the invention of the box kite. Hargrave published and disseminated his kite research and the box kite became the standard for weather research at the turn of the 20th century. Today, Australia is home to a number of world-class kite makers and kite festivals. It is also the center of the hugely popular sport of kite boarding.