In-Ground Parking Sensors vs Overhead Parking Sensors
| Feature | In-Ground Parking Sensors | Overhead Parking Sensors |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Location | Installed below parking stalls | Mounted above each parking stall |
| Detection Method | Detect when a parking space is in use by sensing the presence of a vehicle | Use cameras or lights to monitor the occupancy of parking spaces |
| Data Transmission | Communicate parking occupancy to a central management system | Indicate available and unavailable stalls using color-coded lights and communicate data to the central system |
| Visibility | Not visible, as they are installed underground | Highly visible; can indicate occupancy using color-coded LED lights |
| Real-Time Guidance | Does not provide direct guidance to drivers; works in the background | Provides real-time parking guidance to drivers, helping them locate available spaces faster |
| Environmental Resistance | Susceptible to damage due to soil conditions, such as snow or mud | More resistant to environmental conditions; however, they can be affected by lighting and weather conditions |
| Maintenance Requirements | Require maintenance to address potential failures, particularly due to snow or mud | Require regular maintenance for camera function and positioning adjustments |
| Cost of Installation | Generally lower installation costs but additional cost for connecting to a control system | Typically higher upfront costs because of structural requirements and technology involved |
| Parking Data Collection | Provides accurate data about individual parking spot usage | Aggregates data on multiple parking spaces at once |
| User Experience Improvement | Helps to reduce time spent searching for available parking spaces indirectly | Significantly improves user experience by providing visual cues and faster identification of available spots |
| Operational Efficiency | Increases overall operational efficiency as part of a smart parking solution | Enhances operational efficiency through real-time monitoring and data analytics, providing insights for optimization |