Build Your Own ESP32 GPS Tracker with Live Tracking! (Easy & Free API)

GPS Tracker with ESP32 and Neo 6M: Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• ESP32 microcontroller
• Neo 6M GPS module
• Circuit Digest Cloud
• GeoLinker API
• GPS data (latitude, longitude, timestamp)
• Flash memory storage
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Real-time GPS tracking
• Map visualization

Project Overview

The video demonstrates how to build a simple GPS tracker using an ESP32 and a Neo 6M GPS module. The tracker captures GPS data (latitude, longitude) every 10 seconds and sends it to a cloud platform (Circuit Digest Cloud) via the GeoLinker API. If internet connectivity is unavailable, the data is stored in the ESP32's flash memory and uploaded later when a connection is re-established. The data is then visualized on a map, showing the tracker's location history.

Hardware Setup

• Components: ESP32 board, Neo 6M GPS module, two LEDs (green and yellow), connecting wires.
• Power: The ESP32's 5V output powers the Neo 6M GPS module.
• LED Indicators:
  • Green LED: Indicates Wi-Fi connectivity. Stable when connected.
  • Yellow LED: Indicates valid GPS data. Stable when a valid GPS connection is established.
• Circuit Diagram: Available on the Circuit Digest website (link in description).
• Antenna: The video highlights the importance of a good antenna. An external GPS antenna (1575.42MHz) is recommended for indoor use or areas with weak GPS signals.

Software Implementation

• Programming Environment: Arduino IDE.
• Code Availability: Complete code available on the Circuit Digest website (link in description).
• Key Code Functionality:
  1. Wi-Fi Connection: Connects to a specified Wi-Fi network using SSID and password.
  2. GPS Data Acquisition: Reads latitude and longitude values from the Neo 6M GPS module every 10 seconds.
  3. Data Transmission:
     • If an internet connection is available, the GPS data is sent to the Circuit Digest Cloud using the GeoLinker API.
     • If no internet connection is available, the data is stored in the ESP32's flash memory.
     • When the internet connection is restored, the stored data is uploaded to the cloud.
• Configuration:
  • Wi-Fi Credentials: Modify the code with your Wi-Fi SSID and password.
  • API Key: Obtain the API key from your Circuit Digest Cloud account and insert it into the code.
• Serial Monitor Output: Displays connection status, GPS data validity, and upload status. "Invalid GPS data skipping upload" indicates a problem with GPS signal reception.
• Response Codes:
  • 2011: Indicates the first successful data upload to the server.
  • 200: Indicates subsequent successful data uploads.

Cloud Platform (Circuit Digest Cloud) and GeoLinker API

• Platform: Circuit Digest Cloud (circuitdigest.cloud).
• API: GeoLinker API. This API is designed to collect GPS data (latitude, longitude, timestamp) from various microcontrollers and SoCs.
• Functionality:
  • Stores GPS data on a server.
  • Visualizes the data on a map.
• Usage:
  1. Register/Sign in to Circuit Digest Cloud.
  2. Obtain the API key from your account.
  3. Use the GeoLinker API with your device (ESP32 in this case).
  4. View the map on Circuit Digest Cloud to see the GPS tracker's location.
• Map Visualization:
  • Displays the GPS tracker's location history as blue dots on a map.
  • Clicking on a blue dot shows the date and time the data was recorded.
  • Plots a route showing the path taken by the GPS tracker.
  • Provides a table with latitude, longitude, and timestamp data.
• Reset Map: A "Reset Map" button allows you to clear all previously sent data from the server.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Hardware Setup: Connect the ESP32 and Neo 6M GPS module according to the circuit diagram.
2. Software Configuration:
   • Install the Arduino IDE.
   • Download the code from the Circuit Digest website.
   • Modify the code with your Wi-Fi SSID, password, and API key.
3. Code Upload: Upload the code to the ESP32 board.
4. Testing:
   • Monitor the serial output for connection status and GPS data.
   • Ensure the green LED is stable (Wi-Fi connected).
   • Ensure the yellow LED is stable (valid GPS data).
   • If GPS data is not being received, try moving to an outdoor location or using an external antenna.
5. Map Visualization:
   • Log in to Circuit Digest Cloud.
   • Navigate to the GeoLinker API map view.
   • Observe the GPS tracker's location on the map.
   • Refresh the page to see updated location data.

Real-World Application

The video demonstrates a practical application of the GPS tracker by attaching it to a power bank and taking it on a route. The map updates in real-time, showing the tracker's current location and path.

Conclusion

The video provides a comprehensive guide to building a functional GPS tracker using readily available components and a free cloud platform. The project is relatively simple to implement and offers a practical solution for tracking location data. The use of the GeoLinker API simplifies the process of sending and visualizing GPS data, making it accessible to a wide range of users.