MeshCore GPS & positioning
Learn how GPS tracking functions within MeshCore and share your location in real-time across the mesh network
Why GPS in a mesh network?
GPS integration with MeshCore enables real-time location sharing with other network participants. Whether coordinating mountain rescue teams across the Cairngorms, tracking fell walkers in the Lake District, or simply locating friends at Glastonbury when the mobile network collapses under demand, GPS transforms how groups stay connected.
Unlike smartphone GPS which typically requires internet connectivity for mapping, MeshCore GPS operates entirely offline. Your position transmits via LoRa to other nodes, who can view it on their maps without needing mobile coverage or WiFi.
What can you do with MeshCore GPS?
Real-Time tracking
View other nodes' positions on a map. Updates occur every 30-300 seconds (configurable). Invaluable for groups wanting to monitor each other's whereabouts.
Breadcrumb trails
Observe the path someone has traversed. MeshCore stores historical positions and displays them as trails on the map. Useful for tracking hiking routes.
Emergency beacons
In emergencies, transmit an SOS message with your precise GPS coordinates. Other nodes receive this with elevated priority.
Distance & direction
MeshCore calculates distance and bearing to other nodes. "Sarah is 2.4km south-west of you" provides orientation without requiring map display.
Time synchronisation
GPS satellites provide precise time references. MeshCore utilises this for node synchronisation, functioning independently of internet time services.
Configurable updates
Select update frequency: every 30 seconds (higher consumption) to every 15 minutes (battery conservation). Adjust according to your scenario.
Compare GPS modules
Most MeshCore devices include integrated GPS, though those building custom nodes or seeking upgrades have several options:
NEO-6M
Budget GPS module. Reasonably accurate (2-5m), slower acquisition (30-60 sec), older chipset. Price: £5-10. Suitable for: Testing, non-critical projects.
NEO-M8N
Optimal choice for hobby use. Rapid acquisition (5-15 sec), high accuracy (1-2m), supports multiple satellite constellations (GPS+GLONASS+Galileo). Price: £15-25.
NEO-M9N / M10
Current generation. Ultra-rapid acquisition (<5 sec), exceptional accuracy (<1m), low consumption, supports all satellite constellations. Price: £30-50. For: Professional applications.
GPS setup & configuration
Configuring GPS within MeshCore firmware:
Enable GPS module: Navigate to MeshCore settings, then Position, then Enable GPS. Devices with integrated GPS are detected automatically.
Set update interval: How frequently should position be shared? 30 seconds provides real-time tracking (higher consumption), 5-15 minutes suits casual use (battery friendly).
Choose GPS mode: Enabled (always active), Disabled (off), Not Present (no GPS hardware). For mobile tracking: Enabled. For fixed repeaters: Disabled.
Smart position: Enable "smart position" functionality, which only shares location updates when movement is detected (conserves battery and bandwidth).
Test GPS acquisition: Go outdoors (glass and concrete attenuate GPS Signals), wait 30-60 seconds for acquisition, verify in the app that position appears correctly on the map.
GPS troubleshooting & tips
DO
- ✓Go outdoors for initial acquisition (cold start)
- ✓Ensure unobstructed view of the sky (no trees or buildings overhead)
- ✓Allow 1-2 minutes for initial acquisition (particularly with NEO-6M)
- ✓Position GPS antenna horizontally (flat facing skyward)
- ✓Enable multiple GNSS (GPS+GLONASS+Galileo) for faster acquisition
AVOID
- ✗Testing GPS indoors (glass significantly attenuates Signals)
- ✗Metal enclosures around GPS module (blocks Signals entirely)
- ✗Impatience (initial acquisition invariably takes longer)
- ✗Leaving GPS active when unnecessary (consumes 30-50mA)
- ✗Expecting reliable GPS indoors (rarely successful)
Practical GPS applications
Where does MeshCore GPS prove valuable?
- ✓
Group walks: Monitor where everyone is; nobody gets separated. Especially valuable in the Scottish Highlands or Welsh mountains without phone coverage.
- ✓
Cycling: Track companions during long rides. Real-time updates without requiring mobile Signal.
- ✓
Festivals & events: Locate friends amongst thousands of people. "Come to my position" without phone calls that may not connect.
- ✓
Search & rescue: Emergency responders can track missing persons via mesh network where mobile coverage is absent.
- ✓
Asset tracking: Monitor location of vehicles, boats, or equipment. Breadcrumb trails reveal travel history.
- ✓
Wildlife tracking: Attach nodes to animals or vehicles in remote areas. Monitor movement via mesh network.
Privacy & GPS
Important: GPS positions are shared publicly by default with all network nodes. If privacy matters: (1) disable GPS when unnecessary, (2) use a private channel for your group, (3) share positions only with trusted nodes. MeshCore lacks an "invisible mode" - active GPS means everyone on the network can see your position.
Frequently asked questions about GPS
Does GPS function indoors?
Rarely if ever. GPS Signals are weak and blocked by glass, concrete, and metal. Unobstructed sky view is essential. Near windows sometimes works, but relying on indoor GPS proves unrealistic.
How much power does GPS consume?
GPS modules draw 25-50mA continuously. This represents 30-50% of total node consumption. For battery conservation: disable GPS or utilise smart position updates (movement-triggered only).
How accurate is MeshCore GPS?
Depends on module: NEO-6M (2-5m), NEO-M8N (1-2m), NEO-M9N (<1m). Practically speaking, within 5 metres suffices for most "locate someone" scenarios.
Can GPS be used without an antenna?
Some modules include integrated ceramic patch antennas. For external modules: a GPS antenna (ceramic patch or active) is required. Without antenna: no position acquisition.
Why does initial GPS acquisition take so long?
Cold start means the GPS must locate all satellites afresh (downloading almanac data). This requires 30-120 seconds. Following initial acquisition (warm start), subsequent acquisitions are faster (5-15 sec). If the module remains unpowered for days: cold start recurs.
Can GPS tracks be saved for later?
MeshCore stores recent positions for breadcrumb trails. For long-term tracking: utilise the MeshCore Python API to log GPS data to a database, or export via MQTT integration.
GPS brings your mesh network to life
With GPS, MeshCore transcends simple messaging to become a live tracking network where you can follow friends, family, or assets without internet or mobile coverage.