Dr. Gladys West, Mathematician Whose Work Made GPS Possible, Dies at 95
Written by b87fm on 01/19/2026
Dr. Gladys West, the trailblazing mathematician whose work helped lay the foundation for modern GPS technology, has died. She passed away Saturday surrounded by family. She was 95.
West’s journey began far from satellites and supercomputers. Born into poverty on a Virginia farm during the Jim Crow era, she grew up in a segregated South where opportunity was limited. Through discipline, resilience, and extraordinary academic talent, she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and earned a scholarship to Virginia State College, now Virginia State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1952 and completed her master’s degree in 1955.
In 1956, West joined the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia, becoming just the second African American woman hired at the base and one of only four Black employees at the time. Her work there would quietly change the world.
Jane Plitt, NCWI chair; BK Fulton, NCWI vice chair; and Dr. Lance Collins, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus executive director, in front of the Dr. Gladys West exhibit. Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty/Zebra Press
At Dahlgren, West dedicated her career to one of science’s most complex challenges: accurately modeling the shape of the Earth. Her precise mathematical calculations and early computer programming transformed satellite data into reliable geodetic models. That work became the backbone of the Global Positioning System, now essential to aviation, shipping, emergency response, smartphones, and everyday navigation worldwide.
Dr. Gladys Mae West pictured at Dahlgren with Sam Smith in 1985 reviewing data from the Global Positioning System she helped develop.
Despite the global impact of her work, West remained largely unknown for decades. Colleagues have long noted that GPS’s accuracy rests on years of meticulous, behind-the-scenes labor by scientists like West—work driven by purpose rather than public recognition.
Jane Plitt with Dr. Gladys West. Photo: Plitt Collection
In recent years, efforts were made to ensure her contributions received the recognition they deserved. Jane Plitt, founder and board chair of the Alexandria-based National Center for Women’s Innovations (NCWI), made it a mission to bring West’s story into the public eye. That effort culminated in a major celebration of West’s 93rd birthday in October 2023, where she was honored for her groundbreaking achievements. During the event, West famously said, “This is the best day of my life.”
NCWI continued that work in March 2024 with the unveiling of an interactive exhibit honoring West at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard. After attracting thousands of visitors, the exhibit traveled to multiple states, introducing new audiences to one of technology’s most important “hidden figures.”
Plitt announced West’s passing in a tribute shared Saturday night, remembering her as “petite in stature but gigantic in impact.”
Beyond her scientific legacy, West was deeply devoted to her family. She is reunited in death with her husband, Ira West, and leaves behind generations inspired by her intellect, perseverance, and quiet brilliance.
Dr. Gladys West’s life stands as a testament to the power of determination and the enduring impact of work done without expectation of fame. Her story, many say, must continue to be told.
