![\"ESP8266](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ESP8266-M8N-GPS-Module.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn summary, in this tutorial you\u2019ll learn how to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Wire the NEO-M8N GPS module to the ESP8266 via serial;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parse raw data to obtain selected and readable GPS information;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get your current location, date, time, and more…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We’ll cover the following subjects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Introducing the NEO-M8N GPS Module<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wiring the NEO-M8N GPS Module to the ESP8266<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP8266 with the NEO-M8N GPS Module \u2013 Getting GPS Data<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Introducing the NEO-M8N GPS Module<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The NEO-M8N GPS module is one of the most popular GPS receivers used with microcontrollers in navigation and tracking projects. It can get data about latitude, longitude, altitude, and time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It supports multiple satellite systems, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou. It offers better satellite tracking than the NEO-6M<\/a>, making it more reliable in challenging conditions.<\/p>\n\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\nAccording to the datasheet, it has a horizontal position accuracy of 2.5 to 4 meters and quick startup times (1 second for hot start, 26\u201357 seconds for cold start\u2014expect longer times if you’re close to buildings).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The module includes a backup battery, built-in EEPROM, and an LED indicator that blinks when a position fix is achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This module typically comes with a ceramic GPS antenna. But, you can change it to any other compatible antenna that might suit your project better. For example, I like to use the one at the right in the picture below because it is waterproof, and the antenna comes with a long cable which allows for more flexibility.<\/p>\n\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\nThe NEO-M8N GPS Module communicates with a microcontroller using Serial communication protocol, and works with standard NMEA sentences. NMEA stands for National Marine Electronics Association, and in the world of GPS, it is a standard data format supported by GPS manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to buy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can check our Maker Advisor Tools page to compare the NEO-M8N GPS receiver module price in different stores:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- NEO-M8N GPS Receiver Module<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ESP8266 Board<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 read\u00a0Best ESP8266 development boards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
You can use the preceding links or go directly to MakerAdvisor.com\/tools<\/a> to find all the parts for your projects at the best price!<\/p>
![](\"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\nWiring the NEO-M8N GPS Module to the ESP8266 NodeMCU<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To communicate with the NEO-6M GPS module, we\u2019ll use software serial, so you can use any available GPIOs. We\u2019ll use: GPIO 14 (D5), and GPIO 12 (D6).<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Wiring](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ESP8266-NEO-M8N-GPS-Circuit_fritzing.png?resize=855%2C536&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRecommended reading: ESP8266 Pinout Reference: Which GPIO pins should you use?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- ESP8266 Board<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 read\u00a0Best ESP8266 development boards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Wiring the NEO-M8N GPS Module to the ESP8266<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Introducing the NEO-M8N GPS Module<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Installing](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/install-tiny-gps-plus-library-arduino-ide.png?resize=750%2C497&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"ESP8266](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ESP8266-NEO-M8N-GPS-Module-Tutorial.jpg?resize=750%2C422&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"ESP8266](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ESP8266-Get-GPS-Data-M8N-TinyGPS.png?resize=738%2C377&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n