A review of smart parking systems

Transportation Research

International Scientific Conference "The Science and Development of Transport - Znanost i razvitak prometa - ZIRP twenty twenty-three" A review of smart parking systems Sai Sneha Channamallu, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Jay Michael Rosenberger, Apurva Pamidimukkala

Conventional parking methods often result in inefficiencies, such as traffic congestion caused by drivers searching for available spots and inadequate revenue management for parking operators. Smart parking systems aim to address these challenges by offering real-time information on parking availability, optimizing parking space utilization, and providing convenient payment options. This study seeks to comprehensively examine the academic research conducted on smart parking systems to contribute to a deeper understanding of the current research landscape in this field. The research involved an extensive analysis of one hundred twenty-four published research papers, journals, and articles and revealed an intriguing trend: the proliferation of IoT-based smart parking systems in urban settings is revolutionizing decision-making processes and elevating user experiences. Among the diverse range of smart parking system options, wireless sensor networks have emerged as a popular choice, as they not only eliminate the hassle of extensive wiring but also significantly reduce deployment expenses. Computer vision or image processing systems for vehicle detection require fewer sensors but come with substantial installation costs due to the necessity of a camera network. Conversely, smart parking systems based on vehicular ad hoc networks are experiencing slower adoption rates, mainly due to the high costs associated with installation and the requirement of on-board units in vehicles. The findings of this study will help researchers identify areas that require further investigation and city planners integrate smart parking systems into their overall smart city initiatives.

One. Introduction

Despite the apparent simplicity of finding a parking space, it presents significant challenges that require substantial time, patience, and attention. Research findings reveal that in densely congested traffic zones, thirty to fifty percent of drivers spend an inordinate amount of time (three point five to fourteen minutes) in the pursuit of unoccupied parking spaces, which leads to driver frustration, traffic congestion, and an increase in air pollution. Studies have revealed that drivers who have access to parking availability information are forty-five percent more likely to make successful parking decisions upon reaching their destination than those without such information. Additionally, accelerating and cruising around parking lots contribute significantly to air pollution by generating a high volume of emissions.

The global impact of technological innovations over the past decade cannot be underestimated. Entire living spaces are being shaped in profound ways by continuous advancements such as the Internet of Things, machine learning, big data, artificial intelligence, and others. This transformation is particularly noticeable in the realm of parking, where the adoption of digital solutions is paving the way for the emergence of smart cities. The growing recognition of the limitations inherent in traditional parking lots, which struggle to adapt to population growth and traffic demands, is driving the ongoing expansion of intelligent parking solutions. According to a report by Research and Markets in twenty twenty-three, the global smart parking market is projected to experience a compound growth rate of eighteen point four seven percent annually from twenty twenty-two to twenty thirty, reaching a market value of twenty-one billion U.S. dollars by the end of the forecast period.

Smart parking systems have evolved over time to address the growing challenges associated with conventional parking management. Initially, basic parking meters and mechanical ticketing systems were introduced to regulate parking spaces, marking a significant milestone in the history of parking management in the nineteen thirties. These meters facilitated time-based parking and fee collection, providing a regulated system for parking spaces. In the nineteen eighties, electronic parking meters emerged, bringing automated fee collection and improved enforcement capabilities. The late twentieth century witnessed the introduction of sensor technologies, leading to the development of sensor-based parking systems that provided real-time data on parking space availability. The integration of wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks, enabled the transmission of parking data to drivers in real-time, with the advent of mobile applications offering parking information, navigation, and reservation options. IoT-based architectures revolutionized smart parking systems by facilitating seamless communication between sensors, devices, and infrastructure, enhancing data collection and management capabilities. The utilization of data analytics and artificial intelligence techniques in smart parking systems has gained prominence, enabling advanced parking optimization, predictive analytics, and personalized services for drivers.