ParkNest - The Smart Parking System Using IoT

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has sparked innovation across various sectors, with ongoing exploration and implementations aimed at tackling modern-day obstacles. Among these, transportation stands out due to the increasing demand driven by population growth. As urban areas experience a surge in vehicle ownership, the availability of parking spaces becomes a pressing issue, especially in public areas like shopping malls, parks, and theaters. While manual parking systems persist in many places, the lack of clear regulations for outdoor parking worsens the problem. Traditional methods are outdated and contribute to traffic congestion, minor accidents, and inefficiencies. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a smart outdoor parking system leveraging IoT technology, specifically utilizing embedded controllers and infrared (IR) sensors. Entry and exit gate management is also implemented to allow only users who had reserved the parking slot. An Android application is developed using android studio for users to check slot availability, reserve parking spaces, and efficiently navigate to their destinations. This system is tested on a prototype of parking area creating six parking slots. By integrating hardware, cloud, and mobile application, this system aims to transform parking management, providing structured, adaptable, and user-friendly solutions for urban parking dilemmas.