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Graph Sensor Data with Python and Matplotlib

Graph Sensor Data with Python and Matplotlib

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Contributors:

Shawn Hymel

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Introduction

Python is a wonderful high-level programming language that lets us quickly capture data, perform calculations, and even make simple drawings, such as graphs. Several graphical libraries are available for us to use, but we will be focusing on matplotlib in this guide. Matplotlib was created as a plotting tool to rival those found in other software packages, such as MATLAB. Creating 2D graphs to demonstrate mathematical concepts, visualize statistics, or monitor sensor data can be accomplished in just a few lines of code with matplotlib.

Graphing temperature data with Python and matplotlib

The Raspberry Pi is a great platform for connecting sensors (thanks to the exposed GPIO pins), collecting data via Python, and displaying live plots on a monitor.

Notice: This tutorial was written with Raspbian version "June 2018" and Python version 3.5.3. Other versions may affect how some of the steps in this guide are performed.

Required Materials

To work through the activities in this tutorial, you will need a few pieces of hardware:

Note: As an alternative, you could also use the the Qwiic cables and the Qwiic TMP102 to easily connect without needing to solder or connect to the four pins.

SparkFun Digital Temperature Sensor - TMP102 (Qwiic)

SEN-16304

The SparkFun TMP102 Qwiic is an easy-to-use digital temperature sensor equipped with a couple of Qwiic connectors for easy I2…

$8.23

SparkFun Qwiic SHIM for Raspberry Pi & NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano

DEV-15794

The SparkFun Qwiic SHIM for Raspberry Pi is a small, easily removable breakout that easily adds a Qwiic connector to your Ras…

$1.95

Qwiic Cable - Breadboard Jumper (4-pin)

PRT-14425

This is a jumper adapter cable that comes pre-terminated with a female Qwiic JST connector on one end and a breadboard hookup…

Retired

Qwiic Cable - 200mm

PRT-14428

This is a 200mm long 4-conductor cable with 1mm JST termination. It’s designed to connect Qwiic enabled components together…

Retired

Optional Materials

You have several options when it comes to working with the Raspberry Pi. Most commonly, the Pi is used as a standalone computer, which requires a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (listed below). To save on costs, the Pi can also be used as a headless computer (without a monitor, keyboard, and mouse).

Note that for this tutorial, you will need access to the Raspbian (or other Linux) graphical interface (known as the desktop). As a result, the two recommended ways to interact with your Pi is through a monitor, keyboard, and mouse or by using Virtual Network Computing (VNC).

Raspberry Pi LCD - 7" Touchscreen

LCD-13733

This 7" Raspberry Pi Touchscreen LCD provides you with the ability to create a standalone device that can be utilized as a cu…

$88.30

Multimedia Wireless Keyboard

WIG-14271

With Single-Board Computers (SBCs) on the rise, it is a good idea to have an easy way to interface with them. Operating on a …

$29.95 $19.95

SmartiPi Touch

PRT-14059

The SmartiPi Touch is a case and stand for the official [Raspberry Pi 7" Touchscreen LCD](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/1…

Retired

At the bare minimum, you need a breadboard and some jumper wires to connect the Pi to the TMP102 sensor. However, the Pi Wedge and some M/M jumper wires may make prototyping easier.