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A collection of scripts for logging GPS data and taking periodic / timelapse photos via webcam on a Raspberry Pi. Intended for use in vehicles on roadtrips.

License: Mozilla Public License 2.0

Python 97.31% Shell 2.69%

picturesandplaces's Introduction

PicturesAndPlaces

A collection of scripts for logging GPS data and taking periodic / timelapse photos via webcam on a Raspberry Pi. Intended for use in vehicles on roadtrips.

This code is a one-off project written over a couple weeks in preparation for a road trip way out west. I apologize for the mess.

Hardware

Raspberry Pi Model B
- Running latest Raspbian
BU-353 S4 USB GPS Reciever
Logitech C270 HD webcam
A nice univeral car charger with a USB port

Dependencies

sudo apt-get install gpsd gpsd-clients python-gps sqlite3 fswebcam

GPS Install and Test

Install the dependencies as listed above.
Plug in the GPS unit to an open USB port. Be near a window, or better yet, outdoors.
Open a terminal and:
- Run dmesg to see the device name of your GPS (likely /dev/ttyUSB0)
- Run cgps and/or xgps to verify GPS functionality

Camera Install and Test

Assuming you've installed the dependencies...
Plug in the webcam to an open USB port
Run fswebacm and adjust camera
Tip: Try experimenting with the -S flag of fswebcam. It tells your camera to take a few pictures, but only returns the last one taken. This allows your webcam to auto-focus and/or adjust light levels. I've found a value between 3-10 is about right; it all depends on the webcam in use.

Raspberry Pi Specific

sudo pip install RPi.GPIO

Edit /etc/default/gpsd:

START_DAEMON="true"
GPSD_OPTIONS="/dev/ttyUSB0"

Create /home/pi/launcher.sh:

#!/bin/sh
# launcher.sh
# You can cd or skip the next line and add the full path to the last line
# but be careful if your script relies on relative paths?
cd /home/pi/logger
sudo python your_script.py