Dr. Gladys Mae West: The Mathematician Who Paved the Way for GPS Technology

Born on October 27, 1930, in Sutherland, Virginia, Dr. Gladys Mae West is a mathematician whose groundbreaking contributions to satellite geodesy revolutionized navigation technology and led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Raised on a small farm in rural Virginia, her early years were shaped by hard work and the limited opportunities available to African American women in the segregated South. Determined to chart a different course for her life, Gladys excelled academically, becoming valedictorian of her high school class and earning a full scholarship to Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), where she earned a degree in mathematics in 1952.

After completing her education, West taught in Virginia's segregated schools before securing a position as a mathematician at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia, in 1956. She was one of the first Black employees at the facility and quickly gained recognition for her expertise in solving complex mathematical equations. Over the years, she transitioned into programming computers to perform these calculations, working on critical projects like the Naval Ordinance Research Calculator (NORC), which mapped the movements of Pluto and Neptune, and Seasat, the first satellite designed for oceanic observation.

West’s pivotal work on Seasat eventually led to the creation of GEOSAT, a satellite designed to model the Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision. By accounting for forces such as gravity and tides, her team developed algorithms that allowed satellites to calculate the Earth's shape accurately. These efforts provided the foundation for GPS technology, enabling precise location tracking and navigation that now touches nearly every aspect of modern life.

During her remarkable 42-year career, West earned multiple degrees, including a master’s in public administration and a doctorate in public administration and policy affairs. Even after retiring in 1998, she continued to inspire others through her achievements and mentorship. Recognized as a “hidden figure” of science, Dr. West received numerous accolades, including induction into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame and being named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2018.

Today, Dr. West is celebrated not only for her extraordinary contributions to science and technology but also for her unwavering determination to overcome racial and gender barriers. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that hard work, resilience, and a commitment to education can pave the way for groundbreaking achievements.