$GNGGA<\/strong>,110827.00,4114.32485,N,00831.79799,W,1,10,0.93,130.6,M,50.1,M,,*5F<\/pre>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s how the fields look for the M8N:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- $GNGGA: Global GNSS location data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 110827.00: Time in UTC (11:08:27).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 4114.32485,N: Latitude.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 00831.79799,W: Longitude.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1: Fix quality (1 = GPS fix, 2 = DGPS, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 10: Number of satellites tracked (higher for M8N compared to NEO-6M).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 0.93: Horizontal dilution of precision (lower is better).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 130.6,M: Altitude above mean sea level (in meters).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 50.1,M: Height of geoid above the WGS84 ellipsoid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- *5F: Recalculated checksum for the NEO-M8N.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The other NMEA sentences provide additional information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- $GNRMC<\/strong> \u2013 Essential GNSS PVT (Position, Velocity, Time) data<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $GNVTG<\/strong> \u2013 Velocity and track information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $GNGGA<\/strong> \u2013 GNSS Fix Information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $GNGSA <\/strong>\u2013 GNSS DOP and active satellites<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $GLGSV<\/strong> \u2013 Detailed satellite information (GLONASS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $GNGLL<\/strong> \u2013 Geographic Latitude and Longitude.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For more information about NMEA sentences, I found this website with very detailed information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can use this Online NME Analyser <\/a>and paste your sentences there to interpret the GPS data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, the easiest way to get and interpret the GPS data you want is to parse your NMEA sentences directly in the code. For that, we’ll use the micropyGPS module<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUploading the micropyGPS Module<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To parse the NMEA sentences from the GPS module and get GPS data easily, we’ll use the micropyGPS module<\/a>. This library isn\u2019t part of the standard MicroPython library by default. So, you need to upload the following file to your Raspberry Pi Pico board (save it with the name micropyGPS.py<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n"""\n# MicropyGPS - a GPS NMEA sentence parser for Micropython\/Python 3.X\n# Copyright (c) 2017 Michael Calvin McCoy (calvin.mccoy@protonmail.com)\n# The MIT License (MIT) - see LICENSE file\n"""\n\n# TODO:\n# Time Since First Fix\n# Distance\/Time to Target\n# More Helper Functions\n# Dynamically limit sentences types to parse\n\nfrom math import floor, modf\n\n# Import utime or time for fix time handling\ntry:\n # Assume running on MicroPython\n import utime\nexcept ImportError:\n # Otherwise default to time module for non-embedded implementations\n # Should still support millisecond resolution.\n import time\n\n\nclass MicropyGPS(object):\n """GPS NMEA Sentence Parser. Creates object that stores all relevant GPS data and statistics.\n Parses sentences one character at a time using update(). """\n\n # Max Number of Characters a valid sentence can be (based on GGA sentence)\n SENTENCE_LIMIT = 90\n __HEMISPHERES = ('N', 'S', 'E', 'W')\n __NO_FIX = 1\n __FIX_2D = 2\n __FIX_3D = 3\n __DIRECTIONS = ('N', 'NNE', 'NE', 'ENE', 'E', 'ESE', 'SE', 'SSE', 'S', 'SSW', 'SW', 'WSW', 'W',\n 'WNW', 'NW', 'NNW')\n __MONTHS = ('January', 'February', 'March', 'April', 'May',\n 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September', 'October',\n 'November', 'December')\n\n def __init__(self, local_offset=0, location_formatting='ddm'):\n """\n Setup GPS Object Status Flags, Internal Data Registers, etc\n local_offset (int): Timzone Difference to UTC\n location_formatting (str): Style For Presenting Longitude\/Latitude:\n Decimal Degree Minute (ddm) - 40\u00b0 26.767\u2032 N\n Degrees Minutes Seconds (dms) - 40\u00b0 26\u2032 46\u2033 N\n Decimal Degrees (dd) - 40.446\u00b0 N\n """\n\n #####################\n # Object Status Flags\n self.sentence_active = False\n self.active_segment = 0\n self.process_crc = False\n self.gps_segments = []\n self.crc_xor = 0\n self.char_count = 0\n self.fix_time = 0\n\n #####################\n # Sentence Statistics\n self.crc_fails = 0\n self.clean_sentences = 0\n self.parsed_sentences = 0\n\n #####################\n # Logging Related\n self.log_handle = None\n self.log_en = False\n\n #####################\n # Data From Sentences\n # Time\n self.timestamp = [0, 0, 0.0]\n self.date = [0, 0, 0]\n self.local_offset = local_offset\n\n # Position\/Motion\n self._latitude = [0, 0.0, 'N']\n self._longitude = [0, 0.0, 'W']\n self.coord_format = location_formatting\n self.speed = [0.0, 0.0, 0.0]\n self.course = 0.0\n self.altitude = 0.0\n self.geoid_height = 0.0\n\n # GPS Info\n self.satellites_in_view = 0\n self.satellites_in_use = 0\n self.satellites_used = []\n self.last_sv_sentence = 0\n self.total_sv_sentences = 0\n self.satellite_data = dict()\n self.hdop = 0.0\n self.pdop = 0.0\n self.vdop = 0.0\n self.valid = False\n self.fix_stat = 0\n self.fix_type = 1\n\n ########################################\n # Coordinates Translation Functions\n ########################################\n @property\n def latitude(self):\n """Format Latitude Data Correctly"""\n if self.coord_format == 'dd':\n decimal_degrees = self._latitude[0] + (self._latitude[1] \/ 60)\n return [decimal_degrees, self._latitude[2]]\n elif self.coord_format == 'dms':\n minute_parts = modf(self._latitude[1])\n seconds = round(minute_parts[0] * 60)\n return [self._latitude[0], int(minute_parts[1]), seconds, self._latitude[2]]\n else:\n return self._latitude\n\n @property\n def longitude(self):\n """Format Longitude Data Correctly"""\n if self.coord_format == 'dd':\n decimal_degrees = self._longitude[0] + (self._longitude[1] \/ 60)\n return [decimal_degrees, self._longitude[2]]\n elif self.coord_format == 'dms':\n minute_parts = modf(self._longitude[1])\n seconds = round(minute_parts[0] * 60)\n return [self._longitude[0], int(minute_parts[1]), seconds, self._longitude[2]]\n else:\n return self._longitude\n\n ########################################\n # Logging Related Functions\n ########################################\n def start_logging(self, target_file, mode="append"):\n """\n Create GPS data log object\n """\n # Set Write Mode Overwrite or Append\n mode_code = 'w' if mode == 'new' else 'a'\n\n try:\n self.log_handle = open(target_file, mode_code)\n except AttributeError:\n print("Invalid FileName")\n return False\n\n self.log_en = True\n return True\n\n def stop_logging(self):\n """\n Closes the log file handler and disables further logging\n """\n try:\n self.log_handle.close()\n except AttributeError:\n print("Invalid Handle")\n return False\n\n self.log_en = False\n return True\n\n def write_log(self, log_string):\n """Attempts to write the last valid NMEA sentence character to the active file handler\n """\n try:\n self.log_handle.write(log_string)\n except TypeError:\n return False\n return True\n\n ########################################\n # Sentence Parsers\n ########################################\n def gprmc(self):\n """Parse Recommended Minimum Specific GPS\/Transit data (RMC)Sentence.\n Updates UTC timestamp, latitude, longitude, Course, Speed, Date, and fix status\n """\n\n # UTC Timestamp\n try:\n utc_string = self.gps_segments[1]\n\n if utc_string: # Possible timestamp found\n hours = (int(utc_string[0:2]) + self.local_offset) % 24\n minutes = int(utc_string[2:4])\n seconds = float(utc_string[4:])\n self.timestamp = [hours, minutes, seconds]\n else: # No Time stamp yet\n self.timestamp = [0, 0, 0.0]\n\n except ValueError: # Bad Timestamp value present\n return False\n\n # Date stamp\n try:\n date_string = self.gps_segments[9]\n\n # Date string printer function assumes to be year >=2000,\n # date_string() must be supplied with the correct century argument to display correctly\n if date_string: # Possible date stamp found\n day = int(date_string[0:2])\n month = int(date_string[2:4])\n year = int(date_string[4:6])\n self.date = (day, month, year)\n else: # No Date stamp yet\n self.date = (0, 0, 0)\n\n except ValueError: # Bad Date stamp value present\n return False\n\n # Check Receiver Data Valid Flag\n if self.gps_segments[2] == 'A': # Data from Receiver is Valid\/Has Fix\n\n # Longitude \/ Latitude\n try:\n # Latitude\n l_string = self.gps_segments[3]\n lat_degs = int(l_string[0:2])\n lat_mins = float(l_string[2:])\n lat_hemi = self.gps_segments[4]\n\n # Longitude\n l_string = self.gps_segments[5]\n lon_degs = int(l_string[0:3])\n lon_mins = float(l_string[3:])\n lon_hemi = self.gps_segments[6]\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n if lat_hemi not in self.__HEMISPHERES:\n return False\n\n if lon_hemi not in self.__HEMISPHERES:\n return False\n\n # Speed\n try:\n spd_knt = float(self.gps_segments[7])\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n # Course\n try:\n if self.gps_segments[8]:\n course = float(self.gps_segments[8])\n else:\n course = 0.0\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n # TODO - Add Magnetic Variation\n\n # Update Object Data\n self._latitude = [lat_degs, lat_mins, lat_hemi]\n self._longitude = [lon_degs, lon_mins, lon_hemi]\n # Include mph and hm\/h\n self.speed = [spd_knt, spd_knt * 1.151, spd_knt * 1.852]\n self.course = course\n self.valid = True\n\n # Update Last Fix Time\n self.new_fix_time()\n\n else: # Clear Position Data if Sentence is 'Invalid'\n self._latitude = [0, 0.0, 'N']\n self._longitude = [0, 0.0, 'W']\n self.speed = [0.0, 0.0, 0.0]\n self.course = 0.0\n self.valid = False\n\n return True\n\n def gpgll(self):\n """Parse Geographic Latitude and Longitude (GLL)Sentence. Updates UTC timestamp, latitude,\n longitude, and fix status"""\n\n # UTC Timestamp\n try:\n utc_string = self.gps_segments[5]\n\n if utc_string: # Possible timestamp found\n hours = (int(utc_string[0:2]) + self.local_offset) % 24\n minutes = int(utc_string[2:4])\n seconds = float(utc_string[4:])\n self.timestamp = [hours, minutes, seconds]\n else: # No Time stamp yet\n self.timestamp = [0, 0, 0.0]\n\n except ValueError: # Bad Timestamp value present\n return False\n\n # Check Receiver Data Valid Flag\n if self.gps_segments[6] == 'A': # Data from Receiver is Valid\/Has Fix\n\n # Longitude \/ Latitude\n try:\n # Latitude\n l_string = self.gps_segments[1]\n lat_degs = int(l_string[0:2])\n lat_mins = float(l_string[2:])\n lat_hemi = self.gps_segments[2]\n\n # Longitude\n l_string = self.gps_segments[3]\n lon_degs = int(l_string[0:3])\n lon_mins = float(l_string[3:])\n lon_hemi = self.gps_segments[4]\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n if lat_hemi not in self.__HEMISPHERES:\n return False\n\n if lon_hemi not in self.__HEMISPHERES:\n return False\n\n # Update Object Data\n self._latitude = [lat_degs, lat_mins, lat_hemi]\n self._longitude = [lon_degs, lon_mins, lon_hemi]\n self.valid = True\n\n # Update Last Fix Time\n self.new_fix_time()\n\n else: # Clear Position Data if Sentence is 'Invalid'\n self._latitude = [0, 0.0, 'N']\n self._longitude = [0, 0.0, 'W']\n self.valid = False\n\n return True\n\n def gpvtg(self):\n """Parse Track Made Good and Ground Speed (VTG) Sentence. Updates speed and course"""\n try:\n course = float(self.gps_segments[1]) if self.gps_segments[1] else 0.0\n spd_knt = float(self.gps_segments[5]) if self.gps_segments[5] else 0.0\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n # Include mph and km\/h\n self.speed = (spd_knt, spd_knt * 1.151, spd_knt * 1.852)\n self.course = course\n return True\n\n def gpgga(self):\n """Parse Global Positioning System Fix Data (GGA) Sentence. Updates UTC timestamp, latitude, longitude,\n fix status, satellites in use, Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP), altitude, geoid height and fix status"""\n\n try:\n # UTC Timestamp\n utc_string = self.gps_segments[1]\n\n # Skip timestamp if receiver doesn't have on yet\n if utc_string:\n hours = (int(utc_string[0:2]) + self.local_offset) % 24\n minutes = int(utc_string[2:4])\n seconds = float(utc_string[4:])\n else:\n hours = 0\n minutes = 0\n seconds = 0.0\n\n # Number of Satellites in Use\n satellites_in_use = int(self.gps_segments[7])\n\n # Get Fix Status\n fix_stat = int(self.gps_segments[6])\n\n except (ValueError, IndexError):\n return False\n\n try:\n # Horizontal Dilution of Precision\n hdop = float(self.gps_segments[8])\n except (ValueError, IndexError):\n hdop = 0.0\n\n # Process Location and Speed Data if Fix is GOOD\n if fix_stat:\n\n # Longitude \/ Latitude\n try:\n # Latitude\n l_string = self.gps_segments[2]\n lat_degs = int(l_string[0:2])\n lat_mins = float(l_string[2:])\n lat_hemi = self.gps_segments[3]\n\n # Longitude\n l_string = self.gps_segments[4]\n lon_degs = int(l_string[0:3])\n lon_mins = float(l_string[3:])\n lon_hemi = self.gps_segments[5]\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n if lat_hemi not in self.__HEMISPHERES:\n return False\n\n if lon_hemi not in self.__HEMISPHERES:\n return False\n\n # Altitude \/ Height Above Geoid\n try:\n altitude = float(self.gps_segments[9])\n geoid_height = float(self.gps_segments[11])\n except ValueError:\n altitude = 0\n geoid_height = 0\n\n # Update Object Data\n self._latitude = [lat_degs, lat_mins, lat_hemi]\n self._longitude = [lon_degs, lon_mins, lon_hemi]\n self.altitude = altitude\n self.geoid_height = geoid_height\n\n # Update Object Data\n self.timestamp = [hours, minutes, seconds]\n self.satellites_in_use = satellites_in_use\n self.hdop = hdop\n self.fix_stat = fix_stat\n\n # If Fix is GOOD, update fix timestamp\n if fix_stat:\n self.new_fix_time()\n\n return True\n\n def gpgsa(self):\n """Parse GNSS DOP and Active Satellites (GSA) sentence. Updates GPS fix type, list of satellites used in\n fix calculation, Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP), Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP), Vertical\n Dilution of Precision, and fix status"""\n\n # Fix Type (None,2D or 3D)\n try:\n fix_type = int(self.gps_segments[2])\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n # Read All (up to 12) Available PRN Satellite Numbers\n sats_used = []\n for sats in range(12):\n sat_number_str = self.gps_segments[3 + sats]\n if sat_number_str:\n try:\n sat_number = int(sat_number_str)\n sats_used.append(sat_number)\n except ValueError:\n return False\n else:\n break\n\n # PDOP,HDOP,VDOP\n try:\n pdop = float(self.gps_segments[15])\n hdop = float(self.gps_segments[16])\n vdop = float(self.gps_segments[17])\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n # Update Object Data\n self.fix_type = fix_type\n\n # If Fix is GOOD, update fix timestamp\n if fix_type > self.__NO_FIX:\n self.new_fix_time()\n\n self.satellites_used = sats_used\n self.hdop = hdop\n self.vdop = vdop\n self.pdop = pdop\n\n return True\n\n def gpgsv(self):\n """Parse Satellites in View (GSV) sentence. Updates number of SV Sentences,the number of the last SV sentence\n parsed, and data on each satellite present in the sentence"""\n try:\n num_sv_sentences = int(self.gps_segments[1])\n current_sv_sentence = int(self.gps_segments[2])\n sats_in_view = int(self.gps_segments[3])\n except ValueError:\n return False\n\n # Create a blank dict to store all the satellite data from this sentence in:\n # satellite PRN is key, tuple containing telemetry is value\n satellite_dict = dict()\n\n # Calculate Number of Satelites to pull data for and thus how many segment positions to read\n if num_sv_sentences == current_sv_sentence:\n # Last sentence may have 1-4 satellites; 5 - 20 positions\n sat_segment_limit = (sats_in_view - ((num_sv_sentences - 1) * 4)) * 5\n else:\n sat_segment_limit = 20 # Non-last sentences have 4 satellites and thus read up to position 20\n\n # Try to recover data for up to 4 satellites in sentence\n for sats in range(4, sat_segment_limit, 4):\n\n # If a PRN is present, grab satellite data\n if self.gps_segments[sats]:\n try:\n sat_id = int(self.gps_segments[sats])\n except (ValueError,IndexError):\n return False\n\n try: # elevation can be null (no value) when not tracking\n elevation = int(self.gps_segments[sats+1])\n except (ValueError,IndexError):\n elevation = None\n\n try: # azimuth can be null (no value) when not tracking\n azimuth = int(self.gps_segments[sats+2])\n except (ValueError,IndexError):\n azimuth = None\n\n try: # SNR can be null (no value) when not tracking\n snr = int(self.gps_segments[sats+3])\n except (ValueError,IndexError):\n snr = None\n # If no PRN is found, then the sentence has no more satellites to read\n else:\n break\n\n # Add Satellite Data to Sentence Dict\n satellite_dict[sat_id] = (elevation, azimuth, snr)\n\n # Update Object Data\n self.total_sv_sentences = num_sv_sentences\n self.last_sv_sentence = current_sv_sentence\n self.satellites_in_view = sats_in_view\n\n # For a new set of sentences, we either clear out the existing sat data or\n # update it as additional SV sentences are parsed\n if current_sv_sentence == 1:\n self.satellite_data = satellite_dict\n else:\n self.satellite_data.update(satellite_dict)\n\n return True\n\n ##########################################\n # Data Stream Handler Functions\n ##########################################\n\n def new_sentence(self):\n """Adjust Object Flags in Preparation for a New Sentence"""\n self.gps_segments = ['']\n self.active_segment = 0\n self.crc_xor = 0\n self.sentence_active = True\n self.process_crc = True\n self.char_count = 0\n\n def update(self, new_char):\n """Process a new input char and updates GPS object if necessary based on special characters ('$', ',', '*')\n Function builds a list of received string that are validate by CRC prior to parsing by the appropriate\n sentence function. Returns sentence type on successful parse, None otherwise"""\n\n valid_sentence = False\n\n # Validate new_char is a printable char\n ascii_char = ord(new_char)\n\n if 10 <= ascii_char <= 126:\n self.char_count += 1\n\n # Write Character to log file if enabled\n if self.log_en:\n self.write_log(new_char)\n\n # Check if a new string is starting ($)\n if new_char == '$':\n self.new_sentence()\n return None\n\n elif self.sentence_active:\n\n # Check if sentence is ending (*)\n if new_char == '*':\n self.process_crc = False\n self.active_segment += 1\n self.gps_segments.append('')\n return None\n\n # Check if a section is ended (,), Create a new substring to feed\n # characters to\n elif new_char == ',':\n self.active_segment += 1\n self.gps_segments.append('')\n\n # Store All Other printable character and check CRC when ready\n else:\n self.gps_segments[self.active_segment] += new_char\n\n # When CRC input is disabled, sentence is nearly complete\n if not self.process_crc:\n\n if len(self.gps_segments[self.active_segment]) == 2:\n try:\n final_crc = int(self.gps_segments[self.active_segment], 16)\n if self.crc_xor == final_crc:\n valid_sentence = True\n else:\n self.crc_fails += 1\n except ValueError:\n pass # CRC Value was deformed and could not have been correct\n\n # Update CRC\n if self.process_crc:\n self.crc_xor ^= ascii_char\n\n # If a Valid Sentence Was received and it's a supported sentence, then parse it!!\n if valid_sentence:\n self.clean_sentences += 1 # Increment clean sentences received\n self.sentence_active = False # Clear Active Processing Flag\n\n if self.gps_segments[0] in self.supported_sentences:\n\n # parse the Sentence Based on the message type, return True if parse is clean\n if self.supported_sentences[self.gps_segments[0]](self):\n\n # Let host know that the GPS object was updated by returning parsed sentence type\n self.parsed_sentences += 1\n return self.gps_segments[0]\n\n # Check that the sentence buffer isn't filling up with Garage waiting for the sentence to complete\n if self.char_count > self.SENTENCE_LIMIT:\n self.sentence_active = False\n\n # Tell Host no new sentence was parsed\n return None\n\n def new_fix_time(self):\n """Updates a high resolution counter with current time when fix is updated. Currently only triggered from\n GGA, GSA and RMC sentences"""\n try:\n self.fix_time = utime.ticks_ms()\n except NameError:\n self.fix_time = time.time()\n\n #########################################\n # User Helper Functions\n # These functions make working with the GPS object data easier\n #########################################\n\n def satellite_data_updated(self):\n """\n Checks if the all the GSV sentences in a group have been read, making satellite data complete\n :return: boolean\n """\n if self.total_sv_sentences > 0 and self.total_sv_sentences == self.last_sv_sentence:\n return True\n else:\n return False\n\n def unset_satellite_data_updated(self):\n """\n Mark GSV sentences as read indicating the data has been used and future updates are fresh\n """\n self.last_sv_sentence = 0\n\n def satellites_visible(self):\n """\n Returns a list of of the satellite PRNs currently visible to the receiver\n :return: list\n """\n return list(self.satellite_data.keys())\n\n def time_since_fix(self):\n """Returns number of millisecond since the last sentence with a valid fix was parsed. Returns 0 if\n no fix has been found"""\n\n # Test if a Fix has been found\n if self.fix_time == 0:\n return -1\n\n # Try calculating fix time using utime; if not running MicroPython\n # time.time() returns a floating point value in secs\n try:\n current = utime.ticks_diff(utime.ticks_ms(), self.fix_time)\n except NameError:\n current = (time.time() - self.fix_time) * 1000 # ms\n\n return current\n\n def compass_direction(self):\n """\n Determine a cardinal or inter-cardinal direction based on current course.\n :return: string\n """\n # Calculate the offset for a rotated compass\n if self.course >= 348.75:\n offset_course = 360 - self.course\n else:\n offset_course = self.course + 11.25\n\n # Each compass point is separated by 22.5 degrees, divide to find lookup value\n dir_index = floor(offset_course \/ 22.5)\n\n final_dir = self.__DIRECTIONS[dir_index]\n\n return final_dir\n\n def latitude_string(self):\n """\n Create a readable string of the current latitude data\n :return: string\n """\n if self.coord_format == 'dd':\n formatted_latitude = self.latitude\n lat_string = str(formatted_latitude[0]) + '\u00b0 ' + str(self._latitude[2])\n elif self.coord_format == 'dms':\n formatted_latitude = self.latitude\n lat_string = str(formatted_latitude[0]) + '\u00b0 ' + str(formatted_latitude[1]) + "' " + str(formatted_latitude[2]) + '" ' + str(formatted_latitude[3])\n else:\n lat_string = str(self._latitude[0]) + '\u00b0 ' + str(self._latitude[1]) + "' " + str(self._latitude[2])\n return lat_string\n\n def longitude_string(self):\n """\n Create a readable string of the current longitude data\n :return: string\n """\n if self.coord_format == 'dd':\n formatted_longitude = self.longitude\n lon_string = str(formatted_longitude[0]) + '\u00b0 ' + str(self._longitude[2])\n elif self.coord_format == 'dms':\n formatted_longitude = self.longitude\n lon_string = str(formatted_longitude[0]) + '\u00b0 ' + str(formatted_longitude[1]) + "' " + str(formatted_longitude[2]) + '" ' + str(formatted_longitude[3])\n else:\n lon_string = str(self._longitude[0]) + '\u00b0 ' + str(self._longitude[1]) + "' " + str(self._longitude[2])\n return lon_string\n\n def speed_string(self, unit='kph'):\n """\n Creates a readable string of the current speed data in one of three units\n :param unit: string of 'kph','mph, or 'knot'\n :return:\n """\n if unit == 'mph':\n speed_string = str(self.speed[1]) + ' mph'\n\n elif unit == 'knot':\n if self.speed[0] == 1:\n unit_str = ' knot'\n else:\n unit_str = ' knots'\n speed_string = str(self.speed[0]) + unit_str\n\n else:\n speed_string = str(self.speed[2]) + ' km\/h'\n\n return speed_string\n\n def date_string(self, formatting='s_mdy', century='20'):\n """\n Creates a readable string of the current date.\n Can select between long format: Januray 1st, 2014\n or two short formats:\n 11\/01\/2014 (MM\/DD\/YYYY)\n 01\/11\/2014 (DD\/MM\/YYYY)\n :param formatting: string 's_mdy', 's_dmy', or 'long'\n :param century: int delineating the century the GPS data is from (19 for 19XX, 20 for 20XX)\n :return: date_string string with long or short format date\n """\n\n # Long Format Januray 1st, 2014\n if formatting == 'long':\n # Retrieve Month string from private set\n month = self.__MONTHS[self.date[1] - 1]\n\n # Determine Date Suffix\n if self.date[0] in (1, 21, 31):\n suffix = 'st'\n elif self.date[0] in (2, 22):\n suffix = 'nd'\n elif self.date[0] == (3, 23):\n suffix = 'rd'\n else:\n suffix = 'th'\n\n day = str(self.date[0]) + suffix # Create Day String\n\n year = century + str(self.date[2]) # Create Year String\n\n date_string = month + ' ' + day + ', ' + year # Put it all together\n\n else:\n # Add leading zeros to day string if necessary\n if self.date[0] < 10:\n day = '0' + str(self.date[0])\n else:\n day = str(self.date[0])\n\n # Add leading zeros to month string if necessary\n if self.date[1] < 10:\n month = '0' + str(self.date[1])\n else:\n month = str(self.date[1])\n\n # Add leading zeros to year string if necessary\n if self.date[2] < 10:\n year = '0' + str(self.date[2])\n else:\n year = str(self.date[2])\n\n # Build final string based on desired formatting\n if formatting == 's_dmy':\n date_string = day + '\/' + month + '\/' + year\n\n else: # Default date format\n date_string = month + '\/' + day + '\/' + year\n\n return date_string\n\n # All the currently supported NMEA sentences\n supported_sentences = {'GPRMC': gprmc, 'GLRMC': gprmc,\n 'GPGGA': gpgga, 'GLGGA': gpgga,\n 'GPVTG': gpvtg, 'GLVTG': gpvtg,\n 'GPGSA': gpgsa, 'GLGSA': gpgsa,\n 'GPGSV': gpgsv, 'GLGSV': gpgsv,\n 'GPGLL': gpgll, 'GLGLL': gpgll,\n 'GNGGA': gpgga, 'GNRMC': gprmc,\n 'GNVTG': gpvtg, 'GNGLL': gpgll,\n 'GNGSA': gpgsa,\n }\n\nif __name__ == "__main__":\n pass\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\tView raw code<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThese are the general instructions to upload the micropyGPS<\/span> library to your board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- First, make sure your board is running MicroPython firmware\u2014check the Prerequisites section<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a new file in your IDE with the name micropyGPS.py and paste the previous code there. Save that file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Establish a serial communication with your board using your IDE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Upload the\u00a0micropyGPS.py<\/strong>\u00a0file to your board. In Thonny IDE, go to File <\/strong>> Save as…<\/strong> and select MicroPython Device<\/strong>\/Raspberry Pi Pico<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At this point, the library should have been successfully uploaded to your board. Now, you can use the library functionalities in your code by importing the library import micropyGPS<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Raspberry Pi Pico with NEO-M8N: Getting GPS Data with MicroPython<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The micropyGPS<\/span> library makes it easier to get GPS data in a format that is easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe following code shows how to use the library to get GPS data like latitude, longitude, altitude, date and time, number of visible satellites and HDOP (a measurement of how precise the signal is).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After importing the micropyGPS library <\/strong>to your board, you can run the following code.<\/p>\n\n\n# Rui Santos & Sara Santos - Random Nerd Tutorials\r\n# Complete project details at https:\/\/RandomNerdTutorials.com\/raspberry-pi-pico-neo-m8n-gps-micropytho\r\n\r\nfrom machine import UART, Pin\r\nfrom time import sleep\r\nfrom micropyGPS import MicropyGPS\r\n\r\n# Instantiate the micropyGPS object\r\nmy_gps = MicropyGPS()\r\n\r\n# Define the UART pins and create a UART object\r\ngps_serial = UART(1, baudrate=9600, tx=Pin(4), rx=Pin(5))\r\n\r\nwhile True:\r\n try:\r\n while gps_serial.any():\r\n data = gps_serial.read()\r\n for byte in data:\r\n stat = my_gps.update(chr(byte))\r\n if stat is not None:\r\n # Print parsed GPS data\r\n print('UTC Timestamp:', my_gps.timestamp)\r\n print('Date:', my_gps.date_string('long'))\r\n print('Latitude:', my_gps.latitude_string())\r\n print('Longitude:', my_gps.longitude_string())\r\n print('Altitude:', my_gps.altitude)\r\n print('Satellites in use:', my_gps.satellites_in_use)\r\n print('Horizontal Dilution of Precision:', my_gps.hdop)\r\n print()\r\n number = my_gps.latitude\r\n print(number)\r\n except Exception as e:\r\n print(f"An error occurred: {e}")<\/code><\/pre>\n\tView raw code<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Does the Code Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Continue reading to learn how the code works, or skip to the demonstration section<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, import the required modules, including the MicropyGPS<\/span> class from the micropyGPS<\/span> module you imported previously.<\/p>\n\n\n\nfrom machine import UART, Pin\nfrom time import sleep\nfrom micropyGPS import MicropyGPS<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nCreate an instance of the MicropyGPS<\/span> class called my_gps<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n# Instantiate the micropyGPS object\nmy_gps = MicropyGPS()<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThen, initialize a UART<\/span> instance for serial communication with the module. We’re using UART 1 and GPIO 4 for TX and GPIO 5 for RX. We also define the baud rate for the GPS module (the NEO-M8N uses 9600).<\/p>\n\n\n\ngps_serial = UART(1, baudrate=9600, tx=Pin(4), rx=Pin(5))<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThen, we create an infinite loop to continuously read GPS data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We check if there is new data available to read. If there is, we read the data and pass it to the my_gps<\/span> instance using the update()<\/span> method. <\/p>\n\n\n\nwhile gps_serial.any():\n data = gps_serial.read()\n for byte in data:\n stat = my_gps.update(chr(byte))<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThe update()<\/span> method returns valid GPS sentences or None<\/span> if that’s not the case. So, we check if we have valid data before proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\nif stat is not None:<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThen, we can access the GPS data by using the micropyGPS<\/span> methods on the my_gps<\/span> object that should contain the data gathered from the GPS module.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe following lines show how to get time, date, latitude, longitude, altitude, number of satellites used, and HDOP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
# Print parsed GPS data\nprint('UTC Timestamp:', my_gps.timestamp)\nprint('Date:', my_gps.date_string('long'))\nprint('Latitude:', my_gps.latitude_string())\nprint('Longitude:', my_gps.longitude_string())\nprint('Altitude:', my_gps.altitude)\nprint('Satellites in use:', my_gps.satellites_in_use)\nprint('Horizontal Dilution of Precision:', my_gps.hdop)\nprint()<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThe micropyGPS<\/span> library supports other methods to get more GPS data and in different formats. We recommend you take a look at the documentation <\/a>and see all the available options.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDemonstration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After uploading the micropyGPS<\/span> module to your board, you can run this previous code to get GPS data.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Raspberry](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Rpi-Pico-M8N-GPS-Module-Display-Google-Earth-f.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"NEO-M8N-GPS-Module\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/M8N-GPS-Module.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"RPi](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Rpi-Pico-NEO-M8N-GPS-Module-Blink-LED-Position-Fix.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"antennas](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/antennas-for-GPS-Modules.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/header-200.png?w=1200&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Wiring](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RPi-Pico-NEO-M8N-GPS-Module-Wiring-Get-Raw-Data.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Wiring](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Raspberry-Pi-Pico-NEO-M8N-GPS_bb.png?resize=990%2C628&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Getting](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RPi-Pico-NEO-M8N-Get-Raw-GPS-Data.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"active](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/active-GPS-antenna-for-NEO-6M.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Raspberry](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Rpi-Pico-NEO-M8N-getting-raw-data.jpg?resize=753%2C355&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Run](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/thonny-ide-run-button.png?resize=470%2C114&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Raspberry](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Rpi-Pico-M8N-Get-Parsed-GPS-Data.jpg?resize=731%2C430&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"GPS](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RPi-Pico-GPS-logger.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Raspberry](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Raspberry-Pi-Pico-NEO-M8N-GPS-microsdcard_bb.png?resize=1200%2C557&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n