In a world that is ever faster paced we are seeing the issues of urbanization and growth in vehicle ownership play out in the form of new challenges in traffic and parking management. Around the globe cities are reporting increased levels of congestion, wasted fuel, and the issue of the frustrated driver who spends large amounts of time looking for a park. In response to these issues we have seen the rise of what is now a very innovative field of smart parking which in fact is a blend of tech and urban planning to present more efficient, more convenient and also more sustainable parking options. What we also see in this evolution of smart parking is how innovation is in the process of really transforming modern cities and the way in which people interact with them.
The Early Days of Parking Management
The early forms of parking management were very basic and manual. In the 1930’s we saw the introduction of parking meters which was the first step in tech based parking regulation in busy areas. But these traditional methods didn’t take off as city populations grew and traffic patterns became more complex. It was clear that we needed a more adaptive and responsive solution. Thus the idea of the parking system began to take shape which included growth in sensor use, connectivity and data analysis. Early smart parking models were very much focused on the installation of basic sensors which reported back that a space is taken, which is the base which today’s very complex networks are built from.
The Rise of Wireless Sensor Networks
In the smart parking systems’ evolution a large scale shift came with the introduction of wireless sensor networks. No longer did we see the use of only visual checks or manual enforcement as primary methods instead we saw real time data made available. These networks which put sensors in parking spots to detect in and out traffic reported info to central databases. Also drivers via their mobile apps had access to this info which in turn helped them find a spot fast, which in turn reduced time spent circling blocks and in some report lowered overall traffic. Also cities were able to better manage their parking resources which in term they used to collect data on use which in turn informed urban planning and policy.
The IoT’s Impact
The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing brought in a new age for smart parking systems. IoT connected wide scale array of devices and sensors into a single system that could be monitored and also managed from a distance. Also with cloud based platforms which are secure and easy to access cities and private operators could manage large amounts of data. This combination of elements enabled what we see in today’s smart parking solutions which are of a scalable nature thus able to be put in play in cities of any size. Also beyond just the issue of finding a parking spot these systems began to include features like dynamic pricing which is based on demand, personal notifications for the user, and smooth mobile payments. Also we see the integration of AI algorithms which took things to the next level by in to space availability prediction and also in to the design of better parking management strategies.
Real-Time Data and Dynamic Pricing
One of the key features brought forth by modern smart parking systems is real time data integration. This which in turn allows parking systems to adapt to variable demand, which in turn sees parking resources used very efficiently. By collecting data from sensors and other sources these systems are able to provide real time reports of available spaces, which in turn we see to be drivers being taken to open spots right away without the need for great search. Also we see that dynamic pricing models have been included in many smart parking systems. This feature sets prices based on demand which in turn puts pressure on drivers to use parking spaces at off peak times and helps to even out traffic flow between different areas. In some cases these systems also include pre booking which in turn gives drivers the ability to secure a parking spot in advance which in turn improves the convenience and reliability of urban parking.
The Future of Smart Parking: Embedding into Other Urban Systems
As we see the growth of smart parking systems which are in a state of constant evolution, they are also growing in their connection to other elements of urban infrastructure. Transportation networks, traffic management, and also electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming very much a part of a larger smart city picture. For example now smart parking systems are working in tandem with traffic flow sensors to better do route planning out of which comes direction away from tied up areas. Also with the rise of electric vehicles many smart parking systems are adding in EV charging features which in turn allows drivers to at the same time find charging stations as well as available parking. This is the coming together of technologies which puts in place a more integrated, efficient and sustainable urban environment in which each element of the city’s infrastructure does its part to better the quality of life and reduce environmental impact.
