The world of gaming has advanced at a truly rapid speed, integrating external technologies to provide players with unique experiences. Games like Pokemon Go! utilize real-time GPS tracking, a technology that, long before its use in gaming, was a staple in modern society. But where did this technology come from, and who was the mastermind that (unknowingly) gave us Pokemon GO!? For that answer, we’ll have to look at the history of an African American woman named Gladys Mae West.
The Pioneer of Modern Guidance
Born in 1930 in rural Virginia, Gladys Mae West dreamt of moving away from her home to find bigger and better things. Graduating at the top of her class, she was able to earn a full-ride to Virginia State University and went on to study mathematics, earning a master’s degree in the subject. After retiring in 2000, West worked for her doctorate from Virginia Tech and graduated with a Ph.D. in public administration and policy affairs.
After her graduation, West stood out so much that the U.S. Navy hired her to serve as a programmer working with systems that analyzed satellite data. Not long afterward, she started to work with the data coming directly from the system’s satellites to create models of the Earth. For the next decade, West spent her time putting together complicated algorithms by using an IBM computer to replicate effects such as gravity, the ocean, and countless other natural forces that act upon the planet. All of this work collectively amounted to the creation of modern GPS.
Image from DVIDS
Without the hard work of Dr. Gladys Mae West, we would not have modern GPS tracking. Without GPS, we also wouldn’t have any of the other countless programs and games that have integrated that technology. Among them, Niantic’s Pokemon Go! and the soon-to-be-released Minecraft Earth, which has already received plenty of praise.
Dr. West’s Legacy
Obviously, Dr. West’s contributions go far beyond the realm of gaming, with GPS tracking systems being one of the biggest advancements of modern technology. Thousands of applications use GPS, and millions of people worldwide use GPS devices every single day. It cannot be overstated how big of an impact Dr. Gladys Mae West and her work has made on modern society.
Image from Massive Science
The BBC selected Dr. West as part of their 100 Women of 2018, and she was also awarded the “Female Alumna of the Year” at the Historically Black Arts Colleges and Universities Awards the same year. Additionally, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2018 at 100-years-old.
Dr. Gladys Mae West is still alive today, currently 102 years old.
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At Epoch Xperience, we specialize in creating compelling narratives and provide research to give your game the kind of details that engage your players and create a resonant world they want to spend time in. If you are interested in learning more about our gaming research services, you can browse Epoch Xperience’s service on our parent site, SJR Research.
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(This article is credited to Ben Price. For as long as he can remember, Ben has always loved playing, discussing, and writing about video games. Since receiving his B.A. in English, he now writes about them for a living.)