In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting a few technologists who have contributed to the field, as well as some of our friends, learners, and alumni who’ll share their journey into the tech field. Today, we feature Gladys, a major contributor to GPS and geodesy.
We will explore the life and career of Gladys West and highlight her significant contributions to STEM and the geodesy field. Through her achievements, Gladys West has inspired future generations of scientists and mathematicians to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
Who is Gladys West?
Gladys West is an American mathematician who is renowned for her pioneering work on the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is widely used for navigation, tracking, and location services. West was born on October 27, 1930, in Sutherland, Virginia, and grew up on a farm with her family. Despite facing many challenges growing up as a Black woman in a segregated society, she excelled in school and was determined to pursue her education and achieve her dreams.
West attended Virginia State College, where she majored in mathematics and graduated with honors in 1952. She then went on to earn a Master's degree in mathematics in 1955, also from Virginia State College. While studying, she worked as a math teacher and college professor, where she continued to inspire young minds and share her passion for math.
After completing her Master's degree, West began her career as a mathematician at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Virginia, where she worked for over 40 years. During this time, she worked on a variety of projects for the U.S. Navy, including developing satellite tracking models and analyzing data from submarines. West was part of the team that developed the mathematical model that forms the basis of GPS, which is now used globally and has transformed the way we navigate and communicate.
GPS & Technical Contributions from Gladys
Gladys West's contributions to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) are significant and have had a far-reaching impact on modern navigation and location-based services. West was part of a team of mathematicians and scientists at the Naval Surface Warfare Center that developed the mathematical model that forms the basis of GPS. Her work involved creating complex algorithms that were used to track the precise location of satellites in space and calculate their distance from the Earth's surface.
West's contributions to GPS were not limited to the initial development of the system. She continued to work on the project for many years, refining and improving the algorithms and mathematical models used to calculate location and distance. Her work was critical to the success of GPS and made it possible for the system to be used for a wide range of applications, from navigation to weather forecasting to military operations.
In addition to her work on GPS, Gladys West also made significant contributions to the field of geodesy, which is the study of the shape, size, and gravitational field of the Earth. She conducted research on the measurement of the distance between two points on the planet's surface, which is critical for accurate mapping and navigation. Her research involved analyzing data from satellite measurements and developing new algorithms to calculate distances more precisely.
West's work in geodesy was groundbreaking and helped to improve our understanding of the Earth's shape and size. Her research has been used in a variety of applications, including satellite mapping and the study of ocean currents and tides. She also played a key role in the development of the World Geodetic System, which is the global standard for measuring and representing the Earth's surface.
(Gladys West at work in 1981.)
What is Her Impact?
Gladys West's impact on technology and other women and minorities has been significant and far-reaching. As a Black woman in a field dominated by white men, she faced many challenges and obstacles throughout her career. However, through her hard work, dedication, and passion for mathematics, she was able to break down barriers and make a lasting impact on the world.
Gladys’s work on GPS has transformed the way we navigate and communicate and has made it possible for people all over the world to use location-based services and applications. Her work has also had a significant impact on the military, where GPS is used for everything from navigation to missile guidance.
West's achievements in the fields of mathematics, geodesy, and technology have also had a profound impact on other women and minorities. Through her example, she has shown that it is possible to achieve success in fields that are traditionally dominated by white men, and has inspired countless young people to pursue careers in STEM fields. She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has worked to create opportunities for other women and minorities to succeed in STEM careers.
In recognition of her contributions to science and technology, Gladys West has received numerous awards and honors. These awards not only recognize her individual achievements but also serve as a reminder of the important contributions that women and minorities have made to the fields of mathematics, science, and technology. By shining a light on the achievements of women and minorities, these awards inspire future generations to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
Overall, Gladys West's impact is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. Through her work, she has shown that anyone can achieve their goals and make a difference in the world, regardless of their background or circumstances. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate people all over the world, and her contributions to science and technology will be felt for many years to come.
