Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the women whose perseverance, intelligence, and leadership have shaped our world—often without the recognition they deserved at the time. One such pioneer is Dr. Gladys Mae West, a mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
Dr. West passed away in January 2026 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence countless industries. At CIMS Cemetery Software, GPS technology plays a vital role in accurate cemetery mapping and recordkeeping—making Dr. West’s contributions especially meaningful to the work we do every day.
The Mathematical Foundation of GPS
Dr. West’s work focused on satellite geodesy—the science of measuring and modeling the Earth’s shape. Using early, room-sized computers, she developed complex algorithms that accounted for variations in gravity, tides, and the Earth’s irregular surface.
These precise calculations made it possible for satellites to determine exact locations on Earth, forming the mathematical backbone of what we now know as GPS technology. While GPS did not become widely used until years later, its accuracy today depends on the models Dr. West helped create.
Despite the global impact of her work, Dr. West remained humble, once noting that she preferred using paper maps over GPS.
Why Her Work Matters to Cemetery Management
Today’s cemetery professionals rely on GPS technology in ways that directly reflect Dr. West’s contributions. Accurate geospatial data allows cemeteries to:
- Precisely map graves, lots, and sections
- Reduce errors in burial placement
- Preserve historical and ownership records
- Improve navigation for families and visitors
- Plan future space usage with confidence
CIMS integrates GPS-enabled mapping to help cemeteries manage their grounds with clarity and accuracy. Whether locating a single grave or overseeing an entire property, users depend on the precision made possible by GPS technology—precision rooted in Dr. West’s mathematics.
Celebrating Women’s Contributions to Innovation
Dr. Gladys West is often described as a “hidden figure,” one of many women whose scientific contributions went unrecognized for decades. Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to bring those stories to the forefront and acknowledge how women like Dr. West shaped modern technology.
Her life is a powerful reminder that innovation does not always come with immediate recognition—but its impact can be felt for generations. Every time GPS data is used to locate, map, or preserve a burial space, her legacy is at work.
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