QGIS
DataInMotion GPS
Live GPS Integration
Track real-time movement data with ESP32 GPS sensor and create animated visualizations
What You'll Need
QGIS or DataInMotion GPS page
Thonny IDE
ESP32 Microcontroller
NEO-6M GPS Sensor
Battery Pack
Breadboard & Wires
1
Understanding GPS Data Structure
Learn how GPS data is stored as CSV and how it works with temporal controllers for creating smooth animations.
- GPS data is stored in CSV format with timestamp, latitude, longitude, altitude
- CSV structure: timestamp,lat,lng,altitude,speed,heading
- QGIS temporal controller reads CSV data chronologically
- Animation frames are created based on time intervals
- Connect ESP32 + GPS sensor for live data collection
Data Format: CSV files with proper timestamp formatting enable smooth temporal animations in QGIS.
2
Hardware Setup & Code Preparation
Import GPS tracking code into Thonny IDE and prepare for outdoor data collection with portable setup.
- Import GPS tracking code into Thonny IDE
- Prepare for outdoor connection to reach more satellites
- Set up battery pack for portable operation
- Create self-contained ESP32 enclosure
- Ensure laptop independence for mobile tracking
# ESP32 GPS Tracking Code
import machine
import time
from machine import UART, Pin
import json
# Initialize GPS UART
gps = UART(2, baudrate=9600, tx=17, rx=16)
def read_gps_data():
if gps.any():
data = gps.readline()
return data.decode('utf-8', errors='ignore')
return None
def parse_nmea(data):
# Parse NMEA sentences for GPS coordinates
if data.startswith('$GPGGA'):
parts = data.split(',')
if len(parts) >= 10:
lat = float(parts[2]) / 100
lng = float(parts[4]) / 100
return lat, lng
return None, None
Outdoor Setup: GPS requires clear sky view for optimal satellite reception.
3
Data Collection & Visualization
Collect real GPS data and import it into QGIS for temporal controller animations or use our DataInMotion GPS page.
- Collect GPS tracking data during movement
- Export data as CSV with proper timestamp format
- Import CSV data into QGIS for temporal controller
- Configure temporal animation settings
- Play and send collected data for visualization
Alternative: Use our DataInMotion GPS page for immediate web-based visualization without QGIS setup.
1
Understanding GPS Data Structure
Learn how GPS data is stored as CSV and how it works with our DataInMotion GPS page for real-time visualization.
- GPS data is stored in CSV format with timestamp, coordinates
- CSV structure: timestamp,lat,lng,altitude,speed,heading
- DataInMotion GPS page reads CSV data automatically
- Real-time visualization updates as data streams in
- Connect ESP32 + GPS sensor for live data collection
Web-Based: Our DataInMotion GPS page provides instant visualization without software installation.
2
Hardware Setup & Code Preparation
Import GPS tracking code into Thonny IDE and prepare for outdoor data collection with portable setup.
- Import GPS tracking code into Thonny IDE
- Prepare for outdoor connection to reach more satellites
- Set up battery pack for portable operation
- Create self-contained ESP32 enclosure
- Ensure laptop independence for mobile tracking
# ESP32 GPS to Web Streaming
import network
import socket
import json
from machine import UART, Pin
# WiFi connection
wlan = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
wlan.active(True)
wlan.connect('your-wifi', 'password')
# GPS UART setup
gps = UART(2, baudrate=9600, tx=17, rx=16)
def stream_gps_data():
# Stream GPS data to DataInMotion GPS page
server = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
server.bind(('0.0.0.0', 80))
server.listen(1)
while True:
client, addr = server.accept()
gps_data = read_gps_data()
if gps_data:
client.send(json.dumps(gps_data).encode())
Outdoor Setup: GPS requires clear sky view for optimal satellite reception.
3
DataInMotion GPS Visualization
Collect real GPS data and stream it directly to our DataInMotion GPS page for instant web-based visualization.
- Collect GPS tracking data during movement
- Stream data directly to DataInMotion GPS page
- View real-time tracking on web interface
- Export data as CSV for further analysis
- Share live tracking with others via web link
Live Streaming: DataInMotion GPS page provides real-time updates as you move.
Complete GPS tracking project
Project Complete!
You've successfully created a live GPS tracking system! Your data can now be visualized in real-time or exported for further analysis.
Next Steps:
- Analyze your tracking patterns and movement data
- Create custom visualizations with your GPS data
- Set up automated data collection schedules
- Integrate with other sensors for comprehensive tracking