PORTFOLIO

Introduction:

The Arduino GPS project aimed to develop a GPS tracking system using the NEO-6M GPS module and Arduino Uno. This report details the process of connecting the GPS module, obtaining raw GPS data, parsing the data to extract relevant location information, and the historical background of the project. The Arduino GPS project was undertaken during the 4th semester at BS GIS ARID University Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in November 2018. The project team consisted of Muhammad Hamza, Waqas Iftikhar, Khurram Khan, and Afsheen Sheikh. The project was presented at NUST GIS Day 2018, held at NUST Main Campus Islamabad. The inspiration for this project came from a desire apart from just doing a semester project, we should contribute to the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and make a positive impact on the world. The project was initiated by a discussion with a faculty member, Dr. NAEEM MALIK who encouraged students to explore innovative GIS-related projects. This led to the formation of project groups, and our team began brainstorming ideas for a unique and creative project that would also encompass GIS concepts.

How GPS Works

Signal path of GNSS from and to Ground Station

Project Development:

Procurement of Components To kickstart the project, essential components were procured. These components included an Arduino Uno, NEO-6M GPS module, various cables, boards, and electronic components. The team also acquired an external antenna to enhance GPS signal reception. Familiarization with Arduino As students with limited hardware experience, the initial phase of the project involved getting acquainted with Arduino. Tutorials, resources from YouTube, Google, and the official Arduino website were extensively utilized. The team conducted experiments with LEDs, bulbs, and motors to build foundational knowledge in hardware programming.

Methods:

Circuit diagram of GPS

1. Assemble Components: Gather an Arduino Uno, Neo 6M GPS module, cables, breadboard (if needed), and an external antenna.
2. Establish Connections: Wire the module to Arduino (GND to GND, RX to pin 3, TX to pin 4, VCC to 5V) ensuring proper communication.
3. Install Libraries: Download and install relevant libraries like TinyGPS++ or Adafruit_GPS for GPS interfacing.
4. Develop Arduino Code: Write code using Software Serial to communicate, parse GPS data, and extract required location information.
5. Test Communication: Upload the code, open Serial Monitor (set to the code's baud rate), check data consistency for accuracy.
6. Fine-Tune Setup: Adjust code, connections, and environmental factors for improved data accuracy and reliability.
7. Integration: Incorporate the GPS setup into your project for navigation, tracking, or specific applications.

Maps:

Understanding NMEA Sentences

NMEA sentences, the standard data format used by GPS modules, were introduced. Each NMEA sentence was explained, with examples provided. The report clarified the structure of NMEA sentences, including their starting character ($) and comma-separated data fields.

Parsing NMEA Sentences with TinyGPS++ Library
This section demonstrated how to parse NMEA sentences using the TinyGPS++ library. The library's installation process was outlined.

Getting Location Using the NEO-6M GPS Module and the TinyGPS++ Library
The report featured Arduino code that utilized the TinyGPS++ library to extract location data (latitude and longitude) from the GPS module. The code was explained step by step, including library import, pins definition, and data extraction.

Getting More GPS Information Using the TinyGPS++ Library
An extended code shows how to retrieve additional GPS information, including date, time, speed, course, altitude, satellites, and HDOP (Horizontal Dilution of Precision). Explanations for each data field were included.

Discussion:

The Arduino GPS project successfully demonstrated the integration of the NEO-6M GPS module with an Arduino Uno and the use of the TinyGPS++ library to extract meaningful GPS information. The knowledge gained from this project laid the foundation for future.