Overview:

The IoT-based Smart Parking System is a modern solution designed to automate and optimize the process of parking management in urban areas, malls, offices, and public places.
It uses IoT sensors, microcontrollers, and web/mobile applications to detect available parking spaces in real-time and guide drivers to vacant slots — reducing traffic congestion, saving time, and enhancing the overall parking experience.

By integrating sensors, cloud connectivity, and automation, this system ensures efficient space utilization and contributes to smart city infrastructure.

Objectives:

• To detect and display real-time availability of parking spaces.

• To reduce manual supervision and minimize time spent searching for parking.

• To develop a mobile or web app for users to view and book parking slots remotely.

• To promote automation and efficient resource management using IoT.

Key Features:

1. Real-time Slot Detection: Ultrasonic or IR sensors detect whether a parking spot is occupied or free.

2. IoT Dashboard: Displays live parking slot availability on web or mobile interface.

3. Smart Navigation: Guides drivers to the nearest available parking space.

4. Mobile App Integration: Allows users to check, book, or reserve parking slots in advance.

5. Automatic Slot Indicators: LEDs show green (available) or red (occupied) for easy identification.

6. Alerts & Notifications: Sends notifications for slot booking, time limit, or expired parking.

7. Data Logging: Stores vehicle entry/exit time and parking duration in a database.

8. Digital Payment Integration (Optional): Enables automatic billing and online payment for parking.

Tech Stack:

• Hardware Components:

  • NodeMCU (ESP8266) / Raspberry Pi / Arduino UNO

  • Ultrasonic Sensors / IR Sensors

  • Servo Motors (for gate control)

  • LED Indicators

  • Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266/ESP32)

• Software & Tools:

  • Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript

  • Backend: Node.js / PHP / Python (Flask or Django)

  • Database: MySQL / Firebase / MongoDB

  • IoT Platform: ThingSpeak / Blynk / MQTT / Firebase Realtime Database

  • Mobile App (optional): Android app built with Flutter or React Native

System Workflow:

1. Sensor Detection:
   Each parking slot is equipped with a sensor that detects the presence of a vehicle.

2. Data Transmission:
   The sensor sends data to the microcontroller, which uploads it to the cloud (via Wi-Fi).

3. Cloud Processing:
   The cloud platform updates the database and displays current slot status (available/occupied).

4. User Interface:
   The user can view real-time slot availability through a mobile app or web dashboard.

5. Slot Booking (Optional):
   Users can reserve a slot and make payment through the integrated app before arrival.

6. Automatic Gate Control:
   Based on slot availability, the gate opens or denies entry automatically.

Use Case Example:

In a mall parking area, sensors installed in each slot continuously monitor vehicle presence.
When a driver opens the Smart Parking App, they can see all available slots in real-time.
After booking a slot, the app navigates them directly to that space.
When the car leaves, the system marks the slot as “Available” again — ensuring smooth and efficient parking flow.