API offers real-time parking data for cities, universities
Connecting state and local government leaders
Currently in private beta, the API links parking availability information from Streetline to mobile and Web apps, dynamic messages signs and in-car navigation systems.
City governments, universities and transit agencies can now add real-time parking location information to their applications with Streetline’s ParkerData Availability API. Currently in private beta in more than 40 locations, the API links parking availability information to mobile and Web apps, dynamic messages signs and in-car navigation systems.
Streetline’s information on parking space availability is garnered from a network of ultra-low power sensors embedded in the pavement of parking spaces in 24,000 parking lots and garages in more than 30 cities. Streetline detects the presence of a vehicle and relays the information to a number of applications, including Parker, the company’s mobile parking guidance app, which is available on iOS and Android.
According to Streetline, parking is the second to third highest revenue generator for cities. A September report from Navigant Research estimated that worldwide revenue from smart parking systems will reach $356.5 million annually by 2020.
The report also noted that “smart parking systems can have a positive impact on parking revenue through improved occupancy rates, market-sensitive pricing, and more efficient revenue collection. In addition, timely and accurate parking information allows more efficient targeting of resources for enforcement.”Other benefits for cities, universities, parking garages and transit agencies include “reduced congestion, reduced emissions, improved motorist experience and a thriving downtown community,” said Zia Yusuf, CEO of Streetline.
Parking data information available can be as detailed as the type of space available, such as electronic vehicle, handicap accessible or visitor spaces; whether the parking spot is on-street or garage parking; and whether it’s paid or free.
Cities and government agencies using Streetline’s technology include Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Reno, Nevada and the New York City Department of Transportation.
Through its API, Streetline is making real-time data available from its Parker app available to developers for use in new or existing Web, mobile and in-car apps. It provides real-time parking information for lots, garages and street spaces as well as for spots dedicated to electric vehicles, handicapped-accessible or visitor spaces.
Using the API, developers can build their own parking visualizations on mobile and web apps, in-car navigation, or drive variable message signs that display an availability count, as well as the total capacity for the facility or collection of spaces.
Streetline believes the API will help integrate parking information in a variety of applications, beyond those in municipal or university settings.
“Imagine if when Yelp showed you information about a business, you also could see real-time parking information beyond just a static map. Or, imagine if your movie, restaurant, or coffee shop app guided you to an open spot. Imagine if parking availability information was everywhere, so you never had to worry about finding a space again,” wrote Streetline’s Yusuf in a blog post.
The ParkerData Availability API is a RESTful service that is delivered in JSON or XML format and is access restricted via a unique authorization key.
San Carlos, Calif., began a one-year pilot with Cisco and Streetline’s Parker app, to see if access to information could ease congestion for downtown businesses and their patrons, improve parking enforcement and spur economic development in the city of 28,400.
The pilot is part of a larger effort by Cisco to develop a new generation of municipal Wi-Fi that the company hopes will go beyond offering free public Internet access and enable smarter city management and better delivery of services, ranging from water and electricity to waste pick-up.
“The beauty of the Streetline platform is that once a city is on the smart parking journey, you always have the option to add on sound level or road surface temperature detection with no additional hardware or infrastructure. By measuring these city elements in real time, you can maximize resources and funds, respond in real time as issues happen, analyze trends and set policies based on data, and also reduce the environmental footprint of your city,” notes Streetline on its website.
In February, Streetline released ParkSight 2.0, its real-time and historical parking data and analytics platform, a management tool for parking owners and providers to make optimal and efficient use of parking resources.
Developers interested in the API can register here.