Author: Alex Gayte, Dixon Resources Unlimited

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Introduction

The parking industry thrives on data-driven decisions that assist with monitoring trends, adjusting regulations, and guiding future development. As cities and mobility patterns continue to evolve, data collection remains one of the most critical, yet often underestimated, components of effective planning. Behind every well-informed decision are the data collectors—the “unsung heroes” of the industry—doing the sometimes gritty, hands-on work that fuels progress. Data collection is not only foundational to parking management but also plays a key role in broader urban planning and transportation development. There are countless methods for gathering this information, and over the past seven years, I’ve watched this side of the industry transform dramatically thanks to advances in technology. In this article, I’ll explore the modern tools I’ve been using that are transforming how we collect and analyze parking data.

Modernizing Data Collection

Let’s start with inventory data collection. Many municipalities maintain a geodatabase filled with parking inventory information—but how is that data actually gathered? Traditionally, the process was entirely manual: people would head into the field with measuring wheels and notepads and would record their findings by hand. Later, all that information would be transcribed into a digital format for use in databases. It was time-consuming, labor-intensive, and heavily reliant on the individual collector’s interpretation.

Today, thanks to technological advances, that process looks very different. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution aerial imagery now allow us to digitize the curb remotely and build accurate, map-based databases right from a desktop. These modern tools support space-level detail and follow the Curb Data Specification (CDS) format. CDS, which was developed by the Open Mobility Foundation, provides a standardized digital language that enables cities and vendors to communicate effectively about curb data. By standardizing both the language and the tools used to describe parking inventory, municipalities and companies can now scale dynamic curb zones and measure curb activity in a way that’s clear and consistent for everyone involved. Overall, these innovations have turned inventory collection from a slow, manual task into a smooth and efficient process that easily adapts to increasing demands.

When it comes to collecting data for occupancy and turnover, technology has taken us even further in terms of efficiency and innovation. When I first started in the field, we relied entirely on manual counts—walking or driving specific routes to tally parked cars and recording license plates by hand to track turnover. It was a slow, tedious process, and once the data was collected, we faced another hurdle: inputting handwritten notes into various software for analysis. Issues like illegible handwriting, misidentifying curb locations, and entry errors were common—we’ve seen it all.

In recent years, many of these challenges have been resolved with the help of modern tools such as License Plate Recognition (LPR).  LPR enables automatic license plate scanning along a route, dramatically increasing both the accuracy and speed of occupancy and turnover studies. For context, a data collector on foot might cover 20 to 30 blocks in an hour, while LPR technology can cover 90 to 110 blocks in the same time frame. Even more impactful is the way LPR streamlines data processing. Instead of spending hours recording and cleaning up manual entries, the data is automatically transferred to a digital database, ready for analysis almost immediately. This not only saves time but also improves the overall quality and consistency of the data—making it easier for all project stakeholders to interpret and act on.

Another exciting advancement in recent years is the use of drones for data collection. Drones allow a single collector to cover large areas quickly and efficiently, capturing video footage and images that can be reviewed later for quality control as well as providing useful graphics for various reports. This method can be used to gather occupancy and turnover data as well—something I like to call “Sky Truthing.” While there are a few key considerations when using drones (flight legality, battery limitations, and whether you're collecting on-street or off-street data), the flexibility and efficiency of this technology make them a compelling option in the right settings.

The Power of Combined Methods

When it comes to collecting and interpreting parking data, a blended approach that leverages multiple technologies is often the most effective. By combining tools like LPR, drones, and GIS, we’re able to create a more accurate and dynamic picture of parking activity in real time. The strength of this multi-layered strategy lies in how each method complements the others. Where one has limitations, another fills the gap. For example, drones can be ideal for large off-street areas, while LPR excels at capturing data on busy streets. Ultimately, layering these technologies brings us closer to representing accurate parking conditions, making it possible to uncover patterns, inform policy changes, and support a more robust model for transportation planning-related decisions. As we look ahead, these innovations will continue to enhance the way we manage parking, streamline regulatory processes, and shape the future of urban mobility.