App Detects Open Parking Spaces with 99% Accuracy

Technology startup Parkifi seeks to use the Internet of Things to address the long-lamented problem of congestion created by drivers seeking parking.

1 minute read

December 5, 2016, 2:00 PM PST

By Elana Eden


Parking Lot

jointstar / Shutterstock

Drivers in Denver can now use a smartphone app to locate open parking spaces with an accuracy rate that reportedly exceeds 99 percent.

Using a combination of "way-finding, data analytics and Internet of Things technologies," Parkifi equips parking spots with sensors that automatically communicate with the app via Bluetooth and radio, the Denver Post reports.

When the app launches, users can see potential parking spots in red, green and yellow based on a “confidence score” to show drivers the likelihood of finding a spot. However, press the little ParkiFi icon, and the driver is immediately navigated to the best spot.

Parkifi is partnering with the city of Denver, where it is based, to equip off-street lots with sensors. In early 2017, more features will be added, including the option to pay for parking within the app.

The Post notes that Denver has also pursued other tech-based approaches to parking and congestion, and sees possibilities for growth in that space:

By combining IoT sensors that communicate with mobile apps, operators can also collect data on how long spots stay filled, the lot’s busiest hours and returning patrons. Parking managers can use that big data to market to or reward customers and use the technology to automatically reroute drivers or change prices based on demand.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in The Denver Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog