Honoring Gladys West: The GPS Pioneer Behind Radium’s Patented Privacy-Enhanced Technology
- Radium Payments
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Radium's patented technology would not be possible without pioneers like Dr. Gladys West, whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the Global Positioning System (GPS). Her contributions have not only transformed navigation but also influenced Radium's technology that prioritize user digital privacy.
A Trailblazer in Mathematics
Born in 1930 in Sutherland, Virginia, Dr. Gladys West was among the few African American women of her time to pursue higher education in mathematics. In 1956, she began her career at the Naval Proving Ground (now the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren), becoming the second African American woman hired there. Over her 42-year tenure, Dr. West's meticulous work in mathematical modeling and programming was instrumental in developing the geodetic models that became the foundation for GPS technology. [1]
Pioneering GPS Technology
Dr. West's expertise in complex mathematical calculations enabled her to create precise models of the Earth's shape, accounting for variations in gravitational, tidal, and other forces. These models were critical in the development of GPS, allowing for accurate location tracking—a technology that has become integral to various applications today, include Radium. [2]
How Radium Uses GPS for Private Digital Payments
While GPS is traditionally used for pinpointing exact locations, Radium takes an innovative approach with its patented Anonymity-Enhanced Mobile GPS Technology to ensure user privacy for every digital transaction. Unlike traditional payment apps that rely on usernames, phone numbers, or QR codes, Radium leverages GPS in a way that allows users to connect only with nearby recipients who opt in to be visible.
This means Radium never shares or stores precise location data but instead enables secure, private transactions by displaying only general proximity. Thanks to Dr. West’s pioneering work, GPS can now serve a dual purpose: improving convenience while maintaining privacy in the digital payment space.
Honoring Dr. West's Legacy
Dr. Gladys West's contributions remained unrecognized for decades, but her legacy has gained acknowledgment in recent years. In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame, honoring her pivotal role in the development of GPS technology. [3]
At Radium, we honor Dr. West's pioneering spirit by embedding the principles of accuracy, security, and user empowerment into our digital payment platform. Her life's work serves as a beacon, guiding us toward innovative solutions that prioritize user privacy and trust in the digital age.
