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IoT Based GPS Location Tracker using NodeMCU and GPS Module – Save GPS co-ordinates and view on Google Maps

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

IoT Based GPS Location Tracker using NodeMCU and GPS Module – Save GPS co-ordinates and view on Google Maps

Build an IoT-based GPS location tracker using a NodeMCU, NEO-6M GPS module, and an OLED display that serves a local web page with direct Google Maps links.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

NodeMCU ESP8266 WIFI development board based on CP2102 Rs. 660.00
0.96 Inch I2C/IIC 4pin OLED Display Module White Rs. 349.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
1200mAh 18650 Li-ion Bat – Reliable 3.7V Power Cell Rs. 129.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: GPS Module
Boost Converter (Step-up)
Capacitors
Inductors / Coils / Ferrite
Diodes (1N4007 / 1N4148 / Schottky / Zener)
Custom PCB / PCB Fab

Browse all components

How It Works

This IoT-based GPS location tracker operates by combining satellite positioning, microcontroller processing, and local web server capabilities. At the heart of the system is the NodeMCU ESP8266 board, which features built-in Wi-Fi and connects to the NEO-6M GPS module to receive real-time geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) from global positioning satellites. The custom PCB integrates an 18650 lithium cell and an 18650 cell holder to power the portable circuit. Because the battery voltage varies during discharge, the circuit uses an FP6291 boost converter IC, supported by resistors, capacitors, an inductor, and a diode (1N5388BRLG), to stabilize and regulate the power supply for the electronics. Once the NodeMCU acquires valid GPS data, it processes the coordinates and displays them locally on a 128x64 SPI OLED display module. Simultaneously, the ESP8266 can host a local web page over Wi-Fi, allowing a user to view the saved GPS coordinates directly through clickable Google Maps links on a connected device. A 6-pin push button switch is included on the custom PCB to provide user input or reset functionality.

Why Build This

Create a practical vehicle tracking device for cars and bikes to monitor movement and log remote locations.

Learn how to integrate wireless microcontrollers with satellite GPS hardware and local web servers for IoT applications.

Gain hands-on experience designing portable electronics powered by rechargeable lithium-ion cells with custom boost converter circuits.

Real-World Application

Vehicle tracking for cars and bikes, asset monitoring, personal security tracking, and remote location logging.

Skills You'll Learn

GPS data parsing

SPI communication

microcontroller Wi-Fi networking

DC-DC boost converter design

custom PCB assembly

reading sensor data

Safety Precautions

Ensure correct polarity when connecting the 18650 lithium battery and handling the boost converter circuit to avoid component damage or short circuits.

Technology Tags

NODEMCU

ESP8266

GPS

NEO-6M

OLED DISPLAY

IOT

WEB SERVER

GOOGLE MAPS

PCB DESIGN

C++

ARDUINO IDE

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track this device anywhere in the world using the internet?

The NodeMCU sets up a local web page over Wi-Fi rather than a cloud server, meaning you can view the Google Maps links when connected to that local network, while the GPS module itself receives satellite signals globally.

Why is a boost converter IC needed in this circuit?

An 18650 lithium cell typically outputs around 3.7V to 4.2V, but the NodeMCU and peripherals often require a stable regulated voltage, which the FP6291 boost converter circuit provides.

Do I need any special software to program the NodeMCU?

Yes, you will use the Arduino IDE along with specific libraries like TinyGPS++ for parsing satellite data, Adafruit libraries for the OLED display, and the ESP8266WiFi library for network functions.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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