By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Dr. Gladys West, the brilliant mathematician whose work revolutionized navigation, has died at the age of 95. West’s impactful career saw her calculating precise models of the Earth’s shape at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, calculations that became the foundation for the Global Positioning System (GPS). Born in Virginia during the Great Depression, she triumphed over segregation to become a pioneering scientist. Her contributions to mathematics and technology have left an enduring legacy.
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Gladys West, mathematician whose work made GPS possible, dies at 95. Her passing is a moment to reflect on a truly remarkable life and its profound impact on the modern world. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of her contributions; without her, we’d be navigating by much less precise means. We might be lost without her.
Her legacy is etched into the very fabric of our daily lives, woven into the technology we often take for granted. She spent years meticulously calculating precise models of Earth’s shape at the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Those calculations formed the critical backbone of the Global Positioning System, the GPS, we rely on every day. Think about it – from the GPS in your car guiding you to a new destination, to the delivery services that bring food to your door, to emergency responders pinpointing locations to save lives, GPS permeates our lives.
The impact of her work goes far beyond simple convenience. Emergency responders use it, as do Uber drivers, meteorologists, tourists, hikers, and countless commercial applications. It’s a tool that has made life easier, safer, and more efficient for so many. The accuracy of GPS has evolved significantly over the years, from being accurate to within a few hundred feet to within a few feet of your true location.
It’s tempting to get lost in the arguments about how this technology is used, the military’s role, and the ethical implications of advanced technology. It’s true that the military utilizes GPS, and it’s also true that technology can be used for purposes that are difficult, even destructive. But it’s also worth remembering that GPS saves lives, helps rescue vehicles, and enables farmers to better manage their resources. It also allows us to find the “Tesco” that used to be where a long-lost friend worked, no matter where we are!
The discussion of the military use of GPS is a complex one. The truth is, humans have a long history of conflict and the tools of war have always evolved. This isn’t unique to GPS, and it doesn’t diminish the scientific and engineering achievement that is GPS. It’s important to remember that GPS is not exclusively for the military.
The contributions of individuals like Gladys West often transcend the specific applications of their work. Think about the many other innovations throughout history that have both positive and negative consequences. Scientists and engineers are often driven by a quest for knowledge and a desire to solve complex problems, and their creations are then taken up by the world in ways that they could never entirely have predicted.
Ultimately, Gladys West’s work is a testament to the power of human intellect and dedication. Her commitment to her work, the precision of her calculations, and her role as a “Hidden Figure” should be recognized. The fact that her work has become the foundation of technology that has reshaped our world is nothing short of extraordinary, and we should celebrate her achievements.