GPS tracking plays an important role in modern applications such as vehicle tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, robotics, and outdoor navigation. While many GPS tracking projects rely on cloud platforms to visualize location data, this project demonstrates a simpler approach by hosting the tracking interface directly on the development board.

This project is built using the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 development board with the REYAX RYS352A Multi-GNSS module to build a browser-based GPS tracker capable of displaying real-time location data on an interactive OpenStreetMap interface. The tracker continuously updates the current position, records the travelled path, and displays latitude, longitude, and satellite count on the onboard OLED display—all without requiring a third-party cloud service.

The project demonstrates how GNSS communication, UART, embedded web servers, and ESP32 networking can be integrated into a practical embedded systems application.

Project Features

• Browser-based GPS tracking
• Multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS)
• Live OpenStreetMap visualization
• Real-time route plotting
• OLED display showing latitude, longitude and satellite count
• Embedded web server hosted on the ESP32
• No cloud platform required
• Simple hardware connections
• Successfully tested in a moving vehicle

Components Required

• Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 Development Board
• REYAX RYS352A Multi-GNSS Module
• Breadboard
• Breadboard Power Supply
• 12 V Lithium Battery
• USB Type-C Cable
• Jumper Wires

Circuit Connections

The project requires only a few connections between the GNSS module and the development board.

Connect the VCC pin of the REYAX RYS352A to the 3.3 V supply on the Heltec board. Connect the GND pin to Ground, and connect the module's TX pin to GPIO38 (UART RX) on the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4.

The Heltec board also provides a dedicated GNSS connector, allowing the module to be connected with minimal external wiring.

System Working

Once powered, the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 connects to the configured Wi-Fi hotspot and starts an embedded web server. Simultaneously, the REYAX RYS352A begins acquiring signals from multiple GNSS satellite constellations and continuously transmits NMEA data over UART.

The firmware processes this data using the TinyGPS++ library to extract the current latitude, longitude, and the number of connected satellites. These values are displayed on the onboard OLED display while the ESP32 serves a browser-based tracking page.

Any smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network can access the webpage by entering the IP address shown on the OLED. The browser loads an OpenStreetMap interface where the current position is updated automatically, and the travelled route is drawn in real time as the tracker moves.

Because all processing is performed locally on the ESP32, the project does not require any cloud platform, making it lightweight, responsive, and easy to deploy.

Testing and Results

The completed system was evaluated outdoors by installing the hardware in a moving vehicle and powering it with a portable battery.

After the GNSS receiver acquired sufficient satellites, the OLED displayed live positioning information while the browser interface continuously updated the vehicle's location. During the test, the map accurately tracked the movement and recorded the travelled route without interruption.

The successful field test demonstrates that the project can reliably perform local real-time GPS tracking while serving as an excellent learning platform for GNSS communication, embedded networking, and browser-based visualization.

Learn More

This project was developed by Play with Circuit, where we publish practical tutorials on Arduino, ESP32, embedded systems, IoT, and real-world electronics projects. You can explore the complete project, including Detailed hardware setup, Source code, Circuit diagram, Video demonstration at GPS Tracker using ESP32.