West, Gladys
1930-2024 · Contribution: 1950s-1980s
Mathematician
Mathematical modeling of Earth's geodetic shape, foundational to GPS technology
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1930, Sutherland, Virginia
- Active since
- 1956
- Category
- Technology & Engineering
- Best known for
- Mathematical modeling foundational to GPS
Impact on the world
West's calculations of the Earth's shape underpin GPS, the system that now guides navigation, mapping, and countless technologies used by billions of people every day.
Sources
- Encyclopædia Britannica
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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