How often do you use the GPS and do you know what these three letter stand for?

While working for the U.S. Navy, the mathematician Gladys West programmed a computer to precisely model the Earth’s shape using satellite data. The program was taught how to interpret Earth’s forces like gravity and tides.This mathematical model, and particularly Gladys West’s contribution, were crucial for the subsequent global positioning system (GPS).

After a successful 42-year career in the navy, including leading the radar altimetry project of the Seasat (the first satellite to monitor oceans), Gladys West gained a PhD in public administration and policy affairs, at the age of 70. In 2018, West was formally recognized for her contribution to the development of GPS by the Virginia General Assembly. That same year she was also inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame and named one of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s 100 Women of 2018, a list designed to honour inspiring women worldwide.