According to a study by IBM, the average driver in the US spends 17 hours every year searching for a parking spot. This is frustrating and adds to the pollution caused by idling cars. However, as technology continues to evolve, so does our ability to deploy smart parking solutions. What used to take multiple hours or even days of manual labor can now be accomplished with just a few clicks on your device.

With technology making remarkable advances in almost every area, it’s no wonder that adding an internet-of-things (IoT) layer to existing parking management systems can be an excellent way for organizations to leverage the latest advancements. The introduction of intuitive sensors into parking lots can provide insights on space utilization, lot occupancy levels, and valuable data on customer behavior - all helping you maximize your facility's efficiency while also creating more convenience for visitors.

In this blog post, we'll outline how IoT is used in smart parking solutions, detailing the advantages of investing in IoT solutions.

Smart parking uses various sensors to collect data about available parking spaces. This data is then processed and analyzed to provide information drivers and authorities can use. Using IoT-enabled devices, smart parking systems can reduce traffic congestion and pollution while increasing safety and reducing the time drivers spend looking for a parking space.

One way in which IoT is making smart parking a reality is through the use of ultrasonic sensors. These sensors emit sound waves that bounce off objects and return to the sensor. The sensor can determine the distance between itself and the object by analyzing the returning waves. This information can then detect whether or not a car is parked in a particular space.

Another type of sensor used in smart parking systems is a radar sensor. Radar sensors send out electromagnetic waves and then measure the waves that are reflected back. By analyzing the reflected waves, radar sensors can determine an object's speed, direction, and distance. This information can detect whether or not a car is parked in a particular space.

Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) sensors are also used in smart parking systems. LIDAR emits laser pulses and then measures the time it takes for those pulses to bounce back off an object. By analyzing the returning pulses, LIDAR sensors can determine the distance between themselves and an object. This technology is used to detect whether or not there is a car parked in a particular space.

One of the main benefits of IoT in smart parking management is that it enables faster access control. With traditional methods, such as barcodes or magnetic stripe cards, drivers must stop at a gate or barrier and wait for their ticket to be validated before entering the parking facility. However, with IoT-enabled devices, such as license plate recognition (LPR) cameras or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, drivers can be automatically identified and granted access as they approach the facility without stopping and waiting, thus saving drivers time, improving traffic flow, and reducing congestion at entrances and exits.

2. Improved Data Accuracy

Another benefit of IoT in smart parking management is that it enables improved data accuracy. IoT devices collect data more accurately and consistently than traditional methods, such as manual counting or ticket machines. For example, with an IoT-enabled LPR camera, each vehicle that enters or exits the parking facility is automatically counted and recorded. This data can then be used to provide accurate real-time information on the number of available spaces and historical data on occupancy rates.

3. Real-time Monitoring

Lastly, IoT also enables real-time monitoring of parking facilities. This is because IoT devices can send data in real-time to a central database or cloud platform, where it can be monitored and analyzed in near-real time. For example, suppose an LPR camera detects a vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped space. In that case, the data can be sent immediately to a central monitor who can dispatch a tow truck to remove the vehicle. This helps to ensure that parking facilities are always compliant with regulations and helps to improve the overall customer experience.

Smart parking solutions have become an integral part of life for many leading cities around the globe. As a result, we’re witnessing a massive uptick in interest from city officials and private players to adopt Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to monitor, manage and optimize parking access and operations. As IoT suppliers and manufacturers grapple with the opportunities presented by these developments, they must understand how best to leverage their technology investments into effective smart parking management systems.

The possibilities that come along with this type of integrated management system are limitless, allowing businesses and residents alike to save time, fuel costs, and money while enjoying more efficient results. If you're curious about cutting-edge technology and its ability to help turn ordinary spaces into smart parking spaces, visit IoT2Market and check out our cutting-edge smart parking solutions.