Welcome to the GPS Tracker Project!
This project shows you how to turn a Raspberry Pi Zero W into a working GPS tracker. You’ll connect a GPS module, write Python code to collect and send location data, and then display that data on a live map. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience with physical computing, programming, and cloud tools that engineers use in the real world.
Whether you’re a student exploring technology or a teacher looking for engaging classroom content, this project is designed to:
- Guide learners step by step through setting up hardware, coding, and visualising data.
- Build key skills in problem-solving, coding, and digital making.
- Link to real-world applications, from navigation to the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Support teaching and learning, with clear instructions, code examples, and opportunities for extension activities.
By the end, you’ll not only have a working GPS tracker, but also a deeper understanding of how computing can solve real-world challenges.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this project, you will be able to:
- Set up and configure hardware including the Raspberry Pi and GPS module
- Write and run Python programs to collect and process real-time GPS data
- Send and store data using cloud tools (e.g. Firebase)
- Visualise data on a live map, connecting physical computing to real-world applications
- Apply problem-solving and debugging skills to overcome challenges
- Recognise the wider uses of GPS technology in navigation, logistics, and smart devices
- Work collaboratively to design, build, and test a complete digital system
Please follow the steps to bulid your prototype GPS animal tracker. If you're teaching this material the power point deck is there to support.
You're going to need:
- A Raspberry Pi Zero W (and associated cables);
- A NEO-6M GPS module;
- A power pack such as UPS HAT(C). If you use such a power pack, you will need to follow the installation guide.
- Wi-Fi access (you will need the network and password information);
- A laptop;
- A Google account (this also lets you access Firebase and Google Map developer);
- A GitHub account;
- Visual Studio Code and the Live Server extension.
Note
If you are using Windows or a Chromebook, you will need to be able to SSH through a terminal window. This may take some preparation.