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Build your own GPS tracking system Raspberry Pi Zero W 2026

Name: Build your own GPS tracking system Raspberry Pi Zero W 2026
Rating: 4.1 (907 reviews)

Build a Live GPS Tracker with Python, Configure Raspberry Pi Headless, Visualize Real-Time Routes on an IoT Dashboard

Created byStepwise Learning ., Technical Support Team

Last updated 2/2026

English

What you'll learn

Build an IoT-based GPS system that monitors real-time vehicle movement and displays it on a live web dashboard.
Extract and parse GPS data using Python and automate GPSD to start automatically on every boot.
Install Raspberry Pi OS headlessly on Raspberry Pi Zero W without a monitor, keyboard, or mouse.
Configure a static IP address on Raspberry Pi OS for stable and consistent remote access.
Remotely access the Raspberry Pi desktop using GUI — no external monitor needed.
Retrieve raw GPS data using Linux terminal commands and verify module output on both Windows and Linux.
Perform IP scanning, connect to Raspberry Pi wirelessly, and access it remotely using Putty via SSH.
Understand how GPS satellites calculate real-world coordinates and how NMEA data is structured and processed.

Coding Exercises

This course includes our updated coding exercises so you can practice your skills as you learn.

Course content

10 sections • 55 lectures • 2h 18m total length

Learning Agenda2:22
The lecture gives you the detailed overview of the entire course. You will get the clear idea, what is covered in the course and how this course will take your coding skill to the next level.
Introduction to Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless3:04
In this lecture, you will learn about the latest Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless. You will get to know the detailed specification of the board and how it differs from Raspberry Pi Zero.
Raspberry Pi 3 vs Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless5:41
In this lecture you will get to know the detailed comparison of Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless. You will also learn about the additional connections on board.

Writing Operating System image7:11
The lecture covers the hardware requirements to assemble the Pi Zero Wireless and get up and running with Raspberry Pi by installing the latest Raspbian OS without using external monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Setting WIFI & SSH without monitor3:13
In this lecture you will get to know how to set WIFI & SSH on the latest Raspbian OS without the help of any external monitor, keyboard & mouse.
IP Scanner2:46
In this lecture you will get to know about IP scanning tool and how it helps us to solve our day to day problems.
Auto scanning the IP4:26
The lecture describes how the Advanced IP scanner helps us to find the dynamic IP address of the Raspberry Pi and how we can access the terminal using Putty.
Setting static IP address for Raspberry Pi Zero W4:55
The lecture covers the latest method to set static IP address in the Raspberry Pi and access the same using Putty.
Accessing the graphical user interface of the Pi7:12
The lecture covers the process to access the graphical user interface of the Raspberry Pi remotely without using any external monitor.

Project concept2:26
The lecture covers the purpose of building this project and how this is helpful to solve our day to day problems.
Hardware requirements2:32
The lecture covers the list of all hardware requirements needed for the project, it also explains the purpose of each component.
Document - Hardware requirements list1:29
The entire set of hardware components are gathered and documented in this file for easy access.
GPS working principle4:44
The lecture covers the working principle of the Global Positioning System and real time example to understand how it works.
Testing the GPS module7:06
The lecture covers the process to assemble the circuit and the two different method to test the GPS module in the Windows environment.
Circuit diagram - Testing the GPS module
The circuit diagram shows the ways to connect the RX & TX of the Raspberry Pi to the TX & RX of the USB to UART module and make it ready for the test.

Testing GPS module using Raspberry Pi2:23
This lecture is dedicated to testing the GPS module using the Raspberry Pi. This test can work on any version of the Raspberry Pi.
Circuit diagram - Testing the GPS module using Raspberry Pi
The circuit diagram shows, how we can attach the USB OTG cable to the Raspberry Pi and then connect the USB to UART module including GPS module.
Understanding GPSD1:45
The lecture explains about GPSD and its communication model.
GPSD Installation & Configuration3:50
The lecture covers how we can install and configure the GPSD to manually start using the Linux command.
XGPS1:59
The lecture describes about the addition GPS tracking tool which comes with GPSD to view the tracked satellites in the graphical user interface.
Starting GPSD on boot3:31
The lecture covers the process to automate the GPSD to start on boot. After this we don't need to manually configure the GPSD instance after the system boots.

Fetching raw data using Python3:32
The lecture covers how we can code in Python and fetch the incoming raw data of the GPS module and display the same on our console.
Real-time demo1:02
The lecture shows the real time demonstration of fetching the GPS raw data using Python on the console.
Source code - Raw GPS data using Python0:24
The lecture contain the error free source code for fetching the GPS raw data on the console using Python.
Fetching the required data from GPS2:49
Using this particular program you will get to know, how we can extract the required data from entire set of raw data and display the same on console.
Real time demo0:53
This is the real time video of the project demonstrating the required GPS data displayed on the console via Python programming.
Source code - Extracting required GPS data1:01
The lecture contains the error free source code written in Python to fetch the required data from the GPS module.

Understanding IoT and data analytics3:17
The lecture describes how IoT is the game changer and how it solves our day to day problems. The lecture also covers the important IoT dashboard required to build the project and how we can visualize the incoming data.
Instructions for the new Ubidots0:37
This lecture covers in detail about the new Ubidots Platform.
IoT dashboard installation and configuration9:12
The lecture covers designing the front-end of the IoT dashboard and the basic example of sending the data to IoT dashboard and visualize in real time.
Source code - Random number generation0:09
The lecture covers the error free source code for basic data visualization. The data visualization is also shown in graphical format for better understanding.
Final circuit Diagram
This is the final circuit diagram of the project which can be used to build a complete GPS tracking system.
Sending GPS data to web server5:16
The lecture covers how we can extract the required data from the entire set of raw data and send it to the IoT dashboard for further processing and visualization.
Solution to New Ubidots Dasboard Version 12:36
Please follow this lecture as the Ubidots platform has changed recently. It shows the step-wise process to send the received GPS coordinates to the IoT Server, and configure the new dashboard to visualize the data on the map.
Solution to New Ubidots Dasboard Version 20:20
This lecture contains the stepwise process to configure the updated Ubidots dashboard and widget.
Automate Ubigps to start on boot2:42
The lecture covers the ways to get rid of manually starting the program and automating the program to start on boot.
Real-time demonstration5:25
The video demonstrates the real time footage of the project in action. The device is a standalone system capable of relaying the GPS data to the IoT dashboard automatically.
Source code - Sending GPS data to Web Server0:49
The lecture contains the error free source code to visualize the GPS data in google map of the IoT dashboard.

Understanding alternate IoT dashboard2:15
The lecture demonstrates another advanced IoT tool to visualize the data in the more enhanced way.
Document - Important Notice0:20
This lecture contains important update regarding the advanced IoT dashboard.
Account creation & setup1:17
The lecture covers the process to create and setup account in the advanced IoT dashboard step by step.
Understanding the Advanced IoT dashboard program 12:30
The lecture contains the first part of the advanced IoT dashboard programming which is responsible for establishing the connection with the server using the bucket key and the access key.
Understanding the Advanced IoT dashboard program 22:06
The lecture covers the second part of the program which is responsible for sending the latitude and longitude, altitude, speed and the address where the vehicle is located to the IoT dashboard for visualization.
Required Library installation and program automation4:27
The lecture covers the installation of the required library to execute the program and relay the data to the advanced IoT dashboard.
Real-time demonstration4:49
The lecture demonstrates the IoT dashboard in action. You can view the real time location of the vehicle on the map along with the address where the vehicle is located.
Source code - GPS Dashboard1:59
The lecture contains the error free source code to visualize the real time data on the IoT dashboard along with the address of the location.
Conclusion2:12
The lecture contains the complete summary of the course and the future implementation plan.

FAQ - Putty stucks after entering password0:46
Most of the time learners can log in to the Putty application and can control the Raspberry Pi from the Windows PC. But recently we came to know that for some users the Putty application gets stuck after entering the Password, if you are also facing the same issues, then this lecture can help to fix such problems.
Increase the font size of the Putty Application0:08
In this lecture, you will understand how to increase the font size of the putty application for better visibility.
40 Important GPS Questions & Answers0:08
The lecture contains 40 essential GPS questions with their answers.

Hardware
Programming
Write a python program to convert kilometers to miles.
Write a program to generate the Fibonacci sequence up to a given number of terms.
Draw a Pascal's Triangle with upto 6.
Write a program to check if a given string is a palindrome.
Write a countdown timer program : input seconds, display 'mm:ss', print 'Lift off!' at 0.
Write a program to generate secure passwords between 8 and 16 characters in length.
Write a Python program that parses GPS data from an NMEA sentence.
Write a Python program to count the number of digits in a given integer
Student Grade Calculator
Implement Haversine Formula
Implementation of the Linear Search Algorithm

Raspberry Pi Not Detected on Network — IP Scanning Issues0:37
After powering on the Raspberry Pi, many beginners cannot find its IP address on the network. This lecture covers why the board may not appear in IP scanners and walks you through a reliable step-by-step method to detect it every time.
SSH Connection Refused or Timeout in Putty0:38
Putty showing "Connection refused" or timing out is one of the most reported issues by beginners. This lecture explains every possible cause and gives you a clear fix for each scenario so you can establish a stable SSH connection.
GPS Module Not Receiving Data or Showing No Fix0:43
A GPS module that shows no data or stays stuck without a fix is a common frustration, especially for first-time users. This lecture explains the difference between hardware faults and environmental issues and shows you exactly how to verify your module is working correctly.
GPSD Not Starting or Returning No Data0:40
GPSD is the service that bridges your GPS module and Python scripts — if it fails, nothing works downstream. This lecture covers every common GPSD failure scenario with exact terminal commands to diagnose and fix each one.
Ubidots Dashboard Not Receiving GPS Data0:45
Getting data from your Raspberry Pi to the Ubidots cloud dashboard involves several configuration steps where small mistakes cause silent failures. This lecture identifies every point where the pipeline can break and shows you how to verify each step independently.

Requirements

Basic familiarity with any programming language is helpful but not required — all code is explained line by line.
No prior Raspberry Pi experience needed — the course starts from absolute basics and builds progressively to a fully deployed GPS tracking system.
A Raspberry Pi Zero W, a GPS module, and a laptop with internet access — the complete hardware list with purchase links is provided inside the course.
Basic computer skills such as downloading software and working with files — no networking or Linux experience required.

Description

What If You Could Build a GPS Tracker That Actually Works — From Scratch?

Not a simulation. Not a demo. A fully functional, live GPS tracking system that updates real coordinates, visualizes movement on a map, and runs on hardware you assembled yourself.

That is exactly what this course teaches you — and it is one of the most practical IoT courses you will find anywhere on Udemy.

This Is Not a Theory Course.

Every section is built around doing. You will write real Python code, configure actual hardware, build a working backend, and deploy a live dashboard that tracks movement in real time. By the final lecture, you will have something you built yourself — something you can show, use, and expand.

What You Will Build:

A complete GPS tracking system using Raspberry Pi and Python — the same technology stack used in real-world vehicle tracking, asset monitoring, and IoT product development.

Your finished project will track live coordinates, detect movement, visualize routes on a map, and fetch real-time location addresses automatically. Access it from any phone, tablet, or computer on your network.

What You Will Learn — Section by Section:

Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless Setup Understand the hardware you are working with — its specifications, capabilities, and why it is the preferred choice for compact IoT tracking devices.

Headless OS Installation and Remote Access Install the operating system without a monitor, configure SSH for remote access, and set a static IP address so your device is always reachable — from anywhere.

Understanding GPS Technology Learn how GPS satellites calculate your position, how your GPS module communicates with Raspberry Pi, and how to verify that your hardware is receiving live satellite data correctly.

Linux Commands and GPS Automation Access raw GPS data directly from the terminal and configure your system to start the tracker automatically every time the Raspberry Pi powers on — no manual intervention needed.

Python Programming for Real-Time GPS Data Write Python scripts that read, parse, and continuously update GPS coordinates as the device moves. You will understand NMEA sentences, real-time data streams, and coordinate processing from the ground up.

Designing the IoT Dashboard Build your own live tracking dashboard using web technologies. Visualize coordinates, trace routes, and monitor movement from any device on your network — no third-party platforms required.

Advanced GPS Analytics and Smart Insights Take your dashboard further. Fetch real-time location addresses, analyze travel routes, calculate distances, and display smart movement insights — all from your own system.

Why Thousands of Students Have Chosen This Course:

Learn by Building, Not by Watching Every lecture is a hands-on step. You are always writing code, connecting hardware, or deploying something — never just passively consuming slides.

Beginner-Friendly from the First Lecture No prior Raspberry Pi, Python, or IoT experience required. The course starts from absolute basics and builds progressively toward a fully deployed real-world system.

Clear On-Screen Demonstrations Throughout Every concept is shown on screen — with live hardware, real terminal output, and actual running code. You always know exactly what you are doing and why.

Skills That Transfer to Real Projects What you learn here applies directly to vehicle tracking, asset monitoring, outdoor activity logging, robotics, drone projects, research, and IoT product development.

Dedicated Technical Support Stuck on a hardware connection? A Python bug? A configuration issue? Post your question in the Q&A section and receive a clear, actionable response within 24 hours — Monday to Saturday. You are never learning alone.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Your enrollment is completely risk-free. If this course is not the right fit for any reason, request a full refund within 30 days — no questions asked, no explanations needed. The amount is returned directly to your account.

The skills you will gain from this course are in demand across industries — and they are not going away.

Vehicles need tracking. Assets need monitoring. IoT systems need builders who understand both the hardware and the software. This course gives you both.

Click Enroll Now and build your first real GPS tracking system today.

Who this course is for:

Anyone who wants to build a fully working GPS vehicle tracking system using real hardware and Python — from first setup to live dashboard.
Parents, schools, and fleet operators who want to understand how real-world GPS tracking systems are built and deployed.
Makers, hobbyists, and IoT enthusiasts who want a hands-on project that combines Raspberry Pi, Python, Linux, and live data visualization.
Students and professionals looking to add a complete, real-world IoT and GPS project to their technical portfolio.

Build your own GPS tracking system Raspberry Pi Zero W 2026

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Coding Exercises

Course content

Getting started with Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless3 lectures • 11min

Installation & configuration6 lectures • 30min

Testing GPS module6 lectures • 18min

Linux tool automation & GPSD Installation6 lectures • 13min

Coding the GPS in Python6 lectures • 10min

Building the IOT Dashboard11 lectures • 30min

Advanced GPS Data visualization9 lectures • 22min

Important Materials & FAQ3 lectures • 1min

Quizzes, Coding Exercise & Assignment0

Troubleshooting and Common Errors5 lectures • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: