A review of smart parking systems

Abstract

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 (SPS) 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 SPS to contribute to a deeper understanding of the current research landscape in this field. The research involved an extensive analysis of 124 published research papers, journals, and articles and revealed an intriguing trend: the proliferation of IoT-based SPS in urban settings is revolutionizing decision-making processes and elevating user experiences. Among the diverse range of SPS 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, SPSs 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.