West, Gladys
1930–2026 · Contribution: 1956–1998
Mathematician and computer programmer
Mathematician whose satellite-geodesy calculations and precise models of Earth helped establish foundations used by GPS
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1930, Sutherland, Virginia
- Active since
- 1956
- Category
- Technology & Engineering
- Best known for
- Geodetic modeling foundational to GPSSatellite-data analysisMathematical modeling of Earth
Impact on the world
Accurate satellite positioning depends on precise models of Earth’s shape. West’s mathematical and computational work contributed to the geodetic framework used by modern GPS.
An alternative history
What Would the World Look Like Without It?
One contribution. Many possible consequences. No single-person origin story.
West contributed mathematical and computational work to models of Earth’s shape. The scenario below removes reliable GPS positioning as a whole, not just her work. GPS also depends on satellites, timing, engineering and the work of many others.
Sources
- Exact sourceOpen
NPR: Black mathematician Gladys West, who helped develop GPS, dies at 95
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