In densely populated urban areas and public spaces around the globe, scarcity of car park space is becoming a pressing problem. As drivers struggle to find vacant car park spaces, they get frustrated, stressed, and angry. No less important is the problem of excessive air pollution that comes with traffic congestions. Smart parking is an innovative solution to the described problems. The rapid advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the wide adoption of the smart city concept enables the fast spread of intelligent parking solutions worldwide. This article dwells in detail on this creative technology and explains how it can benefit all stakeholders.
Let’s begin by defining the smart parking system. This technology involves creating real-time parking maps that help users find free car spaces in the area. Its cameras and sensors evaluate the occupancy of car park lots and then transmit these data to an app. Innovative car parks are a great example of how multiple devices connected to the Internet can communicate to bring value to users.
Smart car parking helps to find vacant spots and save time and make decisions regarding optimal transportation options. For example, a driver can check whether the car parks around their destination have free space. If not, they can walk or use public transport. In other words, this technology eliminates the necessity of relying on sheer luck and helps control the vehicle flows more efficiently. Moreover, it can significantly decrease harmful CO₂ emissions in cities, which is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Technology-based car parks can be either web-based or app-based. The former means that the data is presented on a website, which reflects real-time maps. Apps, however, are more convenient because they are easy to use and are more suited for smartphones. Owners of a smartpark app can take advantage of drivers’ desire to save time and the growing IoT opportunities. Developing and distributing this app can become a profitable business, especially in large cities where the problem of car parks occupancy is exceptionally pressing. Smartpark app developers can also build partnerships with local businesses that suffer from traffic congestion and want their clients to access the stores. In this way, innovative car parks can bring benefits to all stakeholders and make city life more convenient.
Types of Parking Systems
Smart parking solutions differ based on the type of technology used for assessing vacant spaces. The three most common types include the following:
- Ground sensor technology. This technology implies using radar sensors installed on the ground (e.g., in the concrete at each space). Ground sensors can be buried or semi-buried. Irrespectively of their position, all sensors accurately determine large objects around and send signals if the spot is occupied.
- Counter technology. The easiest way to determine the number of vacant spots is to count the number of cars entering and leaving the car park. By using raiseable gates, smart parking apps can accurately evaluate the availability of vacant spots in enclosed or underground car parks (e.g., in supermarkets). However, this technology does not work in open car parking lots (e.g., in the streets).
- Camera-based systems. Cameras are another effective way of always knowing how much free space is out there in the car park. The most innovative technologies using cameras can not only detect occupancy but also recognize license plates. The latter feature can be handy for law enforcement officers.
ADUK can work with all three types of smart park solutions. Its expertise in innovative technologies can help you create smart parking apps using one or several of the mentioned technology types.
Where to Use Parking Systems and Parking Apps
The application of technology-based car parks is almost unlimited. This technology can be used anywhere because of the pervasive reliance on cars. Let’s list some of the existing and potential applications of smart parking apps:
- Shopping malls
- Offices
- Sport stadiums
- Bars and restaurants
- Underground parking garages
- Parking spaces on the side of the street
- Airports and railway stations
- Popular tourist attractions
Technological innovations are particularly valuable in places where people value time the most. For example, Smartpark airport parking can help travelers find free spots quickly not to miss their flights. Smart apps can also reduce the stress that often affects travelers.
However, it is essential to differentiate between smart car parks as a technology solution and extended parking services that simply involve a greater range of traditional parking options. For example, Smartpark JFK cannot be characterized as a smart parking system as it does not offer access to real-time maps.
According to the estimates, about 11% of the parking spaces globally are smart. This statistic is encouraging for smartpark app developers because there are still many opportunities to win this market. Currently, intelligent parking solutions are mainly used in smart cities where technology adoption and use are more advanced. They are scarcely used in other cities, and the degree of their complexity and efficiency is still low. It means that companies coming up with efficient, universal, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solutions will likely gain a significant market share.
Development of Your Parking System
Are you already intrigued? If you want to enter the fast-developing market of smart technologies, you may need professional assistance. ADUK team can help you select solutions that suit your business goals and the selected location. Our experience in smart parking system development helps us offer custom-made solutions of varying levels of complexity. We can help you bring the most creative ideas in smart parking to life.
