# How does smart parking work?

[Smart parking](/content/en/smart-parking/index.html) is an efficient and cost-effective system to monitor the availability of parking spaces in real-time. Technologies such as [sensors](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-sensor/index.html) and cameras detect free parking spaces and direct drivers to the most convenient spot via digital [signage](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-circ/index.html) such as LED-displays. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and interconnectivity, the complexity of driving in a complicated environment is simplified.

### Benefits of smart parking solutions

[Smart parking solutions](/content/en/solutions/index.html) not only significantly minimize search traffic, but also help ease congestion in cities and [reduce vehicle emissions](/content/en/why-cleverciti/reduce-unnecessary-emissions/index.html). Finding a free parking space easily in an often-confusing commercial car park enhances customer experience, thus improving revenue. Simultaneously, [parking operators](/content/en/verticals/parking-operator/index.html) and civic authorities can gather intelligent data on parking and customer habits that can be used to drive future infrastructure developments.

### Generating data easily

Data is generated via in-ground sensors that have to be installed in each parking space or via Overhead [sensors](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-sensor/index.html) as developed by Cleverciti. The latter can be easily mounted on existing infrastructure such as [lampposts](/content/en/solutions/smart-lamppost/index.html) or buildings and provide a comprehensive real-time overview of the occupancy status of up to 100 parking spaces per sensor.

Overhead sensors scan the vicinity and identify the position of a parked car or an empty parking space while also measuring the length of an available parking space and registering whether vehicles have been in an illegal space (e.g. in front of a fire hydrant or other no-parking zone).

The data gathered by these sensors is transmitted via cellular (LTE), Wi-Fi or wired Internet connection. The best smart parking solutions process data “at the edge”, which means the only data leaving the sensor itself is the GPS coordinates of a parking space and its availability. This approach ensures compliance with all the relevant data privacy regulations.

### Real-time parking information

Relevant insights can then be passed on to drivers via a mobile application, website or digital signage. LED displays such as Cleverciti’s [Circ360™](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-circ/index.html) and [Circ180™](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-circ/index.html), both of which are multi-directional LED signs that can be installed on existing lampposts, show live parking information and messaging.

Parking meters can be integrated into the system, showing parking operators whether time-limits are being observed.

**See how smart parking works in a city environment in the video below:**

Smart City Smart Parking System \| Cleverciti - Smart Parking Solutions - YouTube

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[Smart City Smart Parking System \| Cleverciti - Smart Parking Solutions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbcSVu-kr2o)