MeshCore GPS & positioning
Learn how GPS tracking works in MeshCore and share your location real-time via the mesh network
Why GPS in a mesh network?
GPS in MeshCore allows you to share real-time locations with other nodes in the network. Perfect for tracking during hikes, bike rides, search & rescue, or simply seeing where your friends are at a festival.
Unlike smartphone GPS which depends on internet, MeshCore GPS works completely offline. Your location is transmitted via LoRa to other nodes, who can see it on their map – without internet, without cellular network.
What can you do with MeshCore GPS?
Real-time tracking
See where other nodes are located on a map. Updates every 30-300 seconds (configurable). Perfect for groups wanting to follow each other.
Breadcrumb trails
See the path someone has traveled. MeshCore stores previous positions and displays them as trails on the map. Useful for hiking routes.
Emergency beacons
In emergency, you can send an SOS message with your exact GPS location. Other nodes receive this with priority.
Distance & direction
MeshCore calculates distance and direction to other nodes. "John is 2.4km southwest from you" – without needing a map.
Time synchronization
GPS satellites provide accurate time. MeshCore uses this to synchronize nodes, even without internet.
Configurable updates
Choose how often you share location: every 30 sec (high consumption) to every 15 min (battery saving). Adjust per scenario.
Compare GPS modules
Most MeshCore devices have GPS built-in, but if you're building yourself or want to upgrade:
NEO-6M
Budget GPS module. Reasonably accurate (2-5m), slow fix (30-60 sec), outdated chip. Price: €5-10. Suitable for: Testing, non-critical projects.
NEO-M8N
Best choice for hobby use. Fast fix (5-15 sec), high accuracy (1-2m), supports multiple satellite systems (GPS+GLONASS+Galileo). Price: €15-25.
NEO-M9N / M10
Latest generation. Ultra-fast fix (<5 sec), extremely accurate (<1m), low consumption, supports all satellite constellations. Price: €30-50. For: Professional use.
GPS setup & configuration
How to configure GPS in MeshCore firmware:
Enable GPS module: In MeshCore settings → Position → Enable GPS. For devices with built-in GPS this is automatically detected.
Set update interval: How often do you want to share location? 30 sec = real-time tracking (high consumption), 5-15 min = casual use (battery friendly).
Choose GPS mode: Enabled (always on), Disabled (off), Not Present (no GPS hardware). For mobile tracking: Enabled. For fixed repeaters: Disabled.
Smart position: Enable "smart position" feature – only shares location updates when you move (saves battery + bandwidth).
Test GPS fix: Go outside (glass/concrete blocks GPS), wait 30-60 sec for fix, check in app if position is correct on map.
GPS troubleshooting & tips
✓ DO
- ✓Go outside for first fix (cold start)
- ✓Clear view to the sky (no trees/buildings above you)
- ✓Wait 1-2 minutes for first fix (especially NEO-6M)
- ✓Place GPS antenna horizontally (flat toward sky)
- ✓Enable multiple GNSS (GPS+GLONASS+Galileo) for faster fix
✗ DON'T
- ✗Test GPS indoors (glass attenuates signal enormously)
- ✗Metal enclosure around GPS module (blocks signal)
- ✗Be impatient (first fix always takes longer)
- ✗Leave GPS running when you don't need it (wastes 30-50mA)
- ✗Expect GPS to work indoors (rarely works)
Practical GPS use cases
Where do you use MeshCore GPS for?
- ✓
Group hikes: See where everyone is, nobody gets lost. Especially useful in forests/mountains without phone coverage.
- ✓
Bike rides: Track where your friends are during long rides. Real-time updates without cellular network.
- ✓
Festivals & events: Find your friends among thousands of people. "Come to my location" without phone calls.
- ✓
Search & rescue: Emergency responders can track position of missing persons via mesh network without cell coverage.
- ✓
Asset tracking: Track where things are (bike, car, boat). Breadcrumb trails show where it's been.
- ✓
Wildlife tracking: Attach node to animals/vehicles in remote areas. Track movement via mesh network.
Privacy & GPS
Important: GPS positions are shared publicly by default with all nodes in the network. If you value privacy: (1) disable GPS when not needed, (2) use a private channel for your group, (3) only share positions with trusted nodes. MeshCore has no "invisible mode" – if GPS is on, everyone in the network can see you.
Frequently asked questions about GPS
Does GPS work indoors?
Rarely to never. GPS signals are weak and blocked by glass, concrete and metal. You need clear view to the sky. Indoors near window sometimes works, but relying on indoor GPS is unrealistic.
How much power does GPS consume?
GPS modules consume 25-50mA continuously. This is 30-50% of total node consumption. If you want to save battery: disable GPS or use smart position updates (only on movement).
How accurate is MeshCore GPS?
Depends on module: NEO-6M (2-5m), NEO-M8N (1-2m), NEO-M9N (<1m). In practice: within 5 meters is usually good enough for "where is someone" scenarios.
Can I use GPS without antenna?
Some modules have ceramic patch antenna built-in. For external modules: you need a GPS antenna (ceramic patch or active antenna). Without antenna: no fix.
Why does first GPS fix take so long?
Cold start = GPS must find all satellites again (download almanac). This takes 30-120 seconds. After first fix (hot start) it's faster (5-15 sec). If module is off for days: cold start again.
Can I save GPS track for later?
MeshCore stores recent positions for breadcrumb trails. For long-term tracking: use MeshCore Python API to log GPS data to database, or export via MQTT integration.
GPS brings mesh network to life
With GPS, MeshCore becomes more than just messaging – it becomes a live tracking network where you can follow friends, family or assets without internet or cellular network.