CarTracker

Car GPS/GSM tracker based on Arduino with a Leaflet Map

About Project

CarTracker is a streamlined solution for real-time tracking of Arduino-based IoT devices. Equipped with a GSM module, the device captures GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) and securely transmits them to a cloud server using robust encryption. The project is designed with scalability in mind, allowing for future expansion and new features.

Preview

Repository Structure

├── api
│   ├── templates
│   │   └── index.html
│   ├── main.py
│   └── requirements.txt
├── Firmware
│   └── Firmware.ino
├── .gitignore
├── COMMIT_GUIDELINES.md
├── images/
├── LICENSE
├── installation-setup.md 
└── README.md

Technologies

Backend & Server

• Python: Handles server-side logic and processes incoming data from IoT devices.
• Debian: An operating system used for hosting the entire infrastructure.
• NGINX: Web server and reverse proxy for secure request handling.
• Security: Integrated SSL/TLS encryption using Certbot (Let's Encrypt) to ensure secure HTTPS communication between the device, server, and client.

Frontend & Visualization

• Leaflet.js: An open-source library used for interactive map rendering with dynamic markers, auto-panning, and real-time coordinate updates.
• Web Stack: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript featuring a Live Status Panel with WebSocket connectivity and automatic reconnection logic.

IoT & Hardware

• Arduino Uno Rev3: Main microcontroller board used to run the firmware and control the device.
• DFRobot NB-IoT/LTE/GNSS Shield (SIM7070G, DFR0572): Connectivity + positioning module used for LTE-M data transmission and GNSS/GPS location acquisition.
• C++: Used for writing firmware to handle modem communication and GPS/GNSS data processing.

Usage

Once configuration is complete on both sides, the position will update automatically and appear on the map. However, if you provide the API_KEY defined in your .env file, you can also update the marker manually via the API.

curl -X POST https://your-domain.com/upload_position -H "Content-Type: application/json" -H "x-api-key: $API_KEY" -d '{"longitude": 21.01, "latitude": 52.23}'

API Reference

IoT Device Endpoint

1. Upload Position

   POST /upload_position

   Used to send current GPS coordinates

• Headers:
  • x-api-key:YOUR_SECRET_API_KEY(Required)
  • Content-Type:application/json
• Requested Body:

  {
  "longitude": 21.0122,
  "latitude": 52.2297
  }
  

• Response:
  • 200 OK: Data saved and broadcasted successfully.
  • 403 Forbidden: Access denied due to wrong or empty API key.

Service Health

2. Get service status

   GET /healthcheck

   Simple diagnostic endpoint.
   • Response: {"status": "OK", "service": "Position API"}

Further information

More info regarding installation, setup and used function can be found here: installation-setup

Authors

• Krzysztof Tomicki - IoT, Hardware and Repository Maintainer - @lologog
• Konrad Wrzesień - Backend, Frontend and Documentation - @konsept619