Unlock the power of location-based technology by building your own real-time GPS tracker using the versatile Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, the accurate Neo-6M GPS module, and the compact SIM800L GSM module. Whether you’re a hobbyist, engineer, or educator, this project provides a practical and affordable way to implement a professional-grade IoT tracking device for applications such as vehicle monitoring, asset security, or delivery logistics.
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Why Build a GPS Tracker with Raspberry Pi Pico?
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In the era of IoT, precise and continuous location tracking is essential for smart transportation systems, fleet management, pet tracking, and many other fields. The Raspberry Pi Pico offers a low-cost, low-power microcontroller platform with exceptional flexibility for hardware interfacing and programming. Combined with widely used GPS and GSM modules, it enables real-time position transmission anywhere with cellular coverage.
This project stands out because it does not require Wi-Fi or expensive 4G/5G connectivity; it works seamlessly over basic 2G networks via SIM800L, making it ideal even for remote geographic areas.
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Core Components Overview:
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- Raspberry Pi Pico: Serves as the central controller, managing sensor input and communication interfaces.
- Neo-6M GPS Module: Provides accurate latitude, longitude, altitude, and timing information by communicating via NMEA protocol.
- SIM800L GSM Module: Handles data transmission over cellular networks using GPRS and supports HTTP communications via AT commands.
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Key Features of the GPS Tracking System:
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- Real-Time Tracking: Continuously fetches GPS coordinates and uploads location data over cellular networks.
- Offline Data Buffering: Stores location points locally when cellular signal is weak or lost; uploads data once connectivity is restored, ensuring no data loss.
- Cloud Integration: Uses the CircuitDigest Cloud’s GeoLinker API to visualise movements on an interactive map in real time.
- LED Status Indicators: Built-in LEDs give immediate visual feedback for successful data transmission, GPS errors, and GSM network issues.
- Low Power Design: Optimised with power-saving modes and robust voltage regulation for reliable field use. **
How It Works:
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The system reads GPS data from the Neo-6M module via UART at a standard 9600 baud rate. The Raspberry Pi Pico parses this data to extract essential GPS parameters and prepares payloads. The SIM800L module then sends the data to the cloud through HTTP POST requests managed by a state-driven command sequence of AT commands. Using the GeoLinker API, the location data is stored and plotted on a web dashboard, enabling effortless monitoring of routes and tracking history.
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Software Highlights:
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- Uses the GeoLinker Arduino library for seamless GPS data parsing, modem control, and cloud communication.
- Implements error handling to toggle LEDs signalling GPS fix errors or GSM modem issues.
- Supports configurable intervals for data uploads and offline storage limits to balance memory usage.
- Fully compatible with Arduino IDE, enabling an easy development process with ready examples. Check out the source of the Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker project to get GitHub access
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Why This Matters to Developers and Makers:
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This project abstracts many complexities of GPS and GSM integration, letting developers focus on application logic instead of low-level protocols. It offers a solid foundation for IoT-based location services, from pet tracking to fleet management, that is adaptable and scalable. The clear documentation, wiring guide, and source code make it accessible to newcomers, while advanced users can customise it for bespoke projects.
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Get Started Today:
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Dive into the complete tutorial, including hardware wiring, power considerations, API setup, and the full Arduino source code. Empower your next IoT project with reliable, real-time GPS tracking and make location intelligence a reality. It is tailored for hobbyists, engineers, and educators looking to implement real-time location tracking in their* IoT projects. Also, if you're interested in exploring more about *Raspberry Pi projects**, be sure to check out CircuitDigest. We have previously covered a lot of Raspberry Pi Pico and Raspberry Pi Zero Projects.
Top comments (1)
A real-time GPS tracker made with a Raspberry Pi Pico is perfect for things like tracking assets, monitoring wildlife, keeping tabs on outdoor adventures, or managing fleets, especially when you’re in places with spotty or no connectivity. But here’s the catch-it relies on a GSM module to send data, so it’s not gonna work in areas with no cellular service unless you add offline buffering. Compared to other microcontrollers like the ESP32, the Raspberry Pi Pico’s connectivity is more basic, meaning you’ll need extra modules for GPS and GSM functions. Some challenges to keep in mind include power management, since GPS and GSM modules suck up a lot of juice, and handling GPS data in a way that’s efficient. But you can totally make the tracker more badass by adding other sensors, setting up geofencing, and throwing in some next-level power management to extend battery life.