1986 - Mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, incorporated into GPS (Global Positioning System)

* West used computers to deliver increasingly precise calculations for the shape of the Earth, describing it as an ellipsoid with additional undulations known as the geoid * Used complex algorithms to account for variations in the gravitational, tidal, and other forces that distort Earth's shape to create an accurate geopotential model * Published "Data Processing System specifications for the GEOSAT Satellite Radar Altimeter" in 1986 * This work led to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth & the development of GPS.

none

Category:
Space Geodesy

Completion Status:
done

Patent Number:
N/A

Co-Inventor:
none