Gladys West: The Hidden Figure Behind GPS

The Mathematician Who Mapped the World

Gladys West: The Hidden Figure Behind GPS

Gladys West’s journey from a small Virginia farm to a key role in developing GPS is inspiring. Her story is a testament to perseverance and brilliance. West was born in Sutherland, Virginia, during the Great Depression. She grew up in a world where opportunities for Black individuals were scarce. Her parents worked tirelessly in farming and tobacco processing, but West envisioned a different path for herself. “I dreamed of more books and more classrooms. I wanted a chance to escape. I wanted to leave the labor of farm life behind. It seemed never-ending,” she recalled in her memoir It Began with a Dream.

A Scholar’s Determination

Education was West’s key to a different life. Every day, she and her siblings walked miles to attend a segregated, one-room schoolhouse equipped with outdated and worn materials. “They called it separate but equal, but there was nothing equal about it,” she reflected. Excelling in mathematics and science, she saw a way ahead—her high school awarded college scholarships to its top two graduates. Determined to seize this chance, West became valedictorian. She earned a full scholarship to Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), a historically Black institution.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics, West began teaching at a segregated high school. Yet, she aspired to more. She pursued a master’s degree in mathematics. She continued to apply for positions in research and technology.

Breaking Barriers at Dahlgren

In 1956, West received an unexpected job offer from the Naval Proving Ground (now Naval Support Facility) in Dahlgren, Virginia. She was initially hesitant. Nevertheless, she accepted the offer. She became one of the few Black women working in the high-tech environment. The environment was predominantly white and male. “When many of my white colleagues saw me, they looked as if they had seen a ghost,” she remembered.

At Dahlgren, West programmed complex mathematical algorithms to calculate missile trajectories. She improved satellite orbits. This work was essential amid Cold War tensions. She later contributed to an award-winning astronomical study proving Pluto’s motion compared to Neptune. Despite facing discrimination and limited career advancement opportunities, she remained committed to her research, pushing boundaries in her field.

Pioneering GPS Technology

By the 1970s and 1980s, West’s work had shifted toward refining the shape of the Earth. This was a critical piece in satellite navigation. Using IBM’s advanced 7030 computer, she developed algorithms that accounted for gravitational effects. They also addressed tidal and other distortions. This helped create a highly precise geoid model of Earth. “Without these key calculations, using satellites for precise positioning would not be possible,” she explained.

This research laid the groundwork for what we now recognize as GPS. The U.S. Department of Defense was keen on a precise and stable satellite navigation system. West’s contributions played a crucial role in making that vision a reality.

Mathematician Gladys West ’00 paves the way for GPS

A Legacy Recognized

After 42 years at Dahlgren, West retired in 1998 but continued her pursuit of knowledge, earning a Ph.D. in public administration. For years, her contributions remained largely unknown, but by the 2010s, her impact on modern technology was finally acknowledged. In 2018, she was inducted into the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame.

Despite her instrumental role in GPS technology, West humorously admitted that she still prefers paper maps when she drives. “I know GPS works, but there’s something about having a map in my hands,” she said.

Now 94, West continues to advocate for education, especially for young women in STEM. “Keep learning,” she urges. “Follow your dream.”

An Inspiring Legacy

Gladys West’s story is a powerful reminder that talent, determination, and resilience can break barriers and shape the world. Her contributions to GPS technology have transformed how we navigate and connect. Yet, like many brilliant women in STEM, she remained in the shadows for too long. Her recognition is not just overdue—it’s essential. By celebrating pioneers like West, we inspire future generations. They can pursue their dreams, knowing that perseverance and knowledge can leave a lasting impact on society.

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