This project is about a real-time GPS tracker that uses Google Maps and NodeMCU ESP8266. Before, we made a GSM+GPS Based Vehicle Location Tracker for keeping track of where a vehicle is. We will track location with ESP8266 WiFi Module instead of GSM Module. A GPS tracker is a navigation device that is usually attached to a vehicle, asset, person, or animal. It uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to figure out where it is and how it is moving. GPS tracking devices send out

special satellite signals that are read by a receiver. The tracking device stores locations or sends them to an Internet-connected device using the cellular network or WiFi all over the world. GPS trackers talk to a network of satellites to figure out where they are. The tracker uses a method called trilateration to figure out latitude, longitude, elevation, and time. This method uses the positions of three or more satellites from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network and how far away they are from each other. We will connect the Quectel L86 GPS Module to the NodeMCU ESP8266 Board for this project. You can use Neo-6M GPS Module or any other similar GPS Module instead of Quectel L86 GPS Module. We will find the latitude, longitude, speed, heading, and location on Map by using the TinyGPS library. We'll send all of these parameters to the Blynk App and use the map and real-time data on the Blynk Dashboard to keep an eye on things.

NodeMCU ESP8266

Quectel L86 Jumper wire Breadboard Quectel L86/L80 GPS Module The L86 is a great choice for wearable fitness devices because it is small and doesn't need much power. Its Low Power feature lets it connect to GPS while using about half as much power as normal mode does when it is in static receiving mode. With its accuracy and high sensitivity, the L86 can be used for a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as portable devices, automotive, personal tracking, security, and industrial PDAs. The L86 has a patch antenna on top that is 16.0mm by 16.0mm by 6.45mm and has 66 channels for acquiring and 22 channels for tracking. It finds and follows satellites as quickly as possible, even when the signal is weak inside. The module works between 2.8V and 4.3V and uses about 20mA of power on average. When it is not being used, it uses about 1mA of power. Circuit for GPS Tracker using ESP8266 Now let's get to the project part and use ESP8266 and Blynk to make a real- time GPS tracker. The connection diagram is pretty easy to understand.

Connect the L86 GPS Module's VCC and GND pins to the 3.3V and GND pins on the NodeMCU ESP8266. Do not give more voltage than 3.3V. Connect the VCC backup (V BCKP) to the VCC power supply or an external battery. If this pin doesn't have power, it won't work Connect L86's RX and TX to the NodeMCU's D1 and D2. This is for Software Serial Serial Communication. You can connect the parts directly with a jumper wire or use a breadboard to put the circuit together. So, the hardware for the GPS Tracker that uses ESP8266 is now ready.

We will use the Blynk App to keep track of GPS location and all of its values. Google Maps can also be used with the Blynk Application.

Blynk is a new platform that lets you quickly build interfaces for your hardware projects that you can control and monitor from your iOS or Android device. After you download the Blynk app, you can set up a project dashboard with widgets like buttons, sliders, graphs, and more. Testing Real Time GPS Tracker Open Serial Monitor after you have uploaded the code. The ESP8266 will try to connect to the WiFi Network. Once the GPS Module is connected to the WiFi network, it will start looking for the closest satellite. Depending on your indoor and outdoor conditions, it could take a while to find your location. Once it gets satellite data, it will show the latitude, longitude, speed, heading, and number of satellites it is connected to. Now you can open your Blynk app and click the play button in the top right corner. The Blynk app will start showing all of the above information right away, along with the location from Google Maps. You can now use this GPS device to track the location of your vehicle or any other asset in real time. Always keep the tracker connected to the WiFi network.