Drone-Based Smart Parking System for High-Traffic Areas Using Reflector Detection and Real-Time Vehicle Guidance

Abstract

Finding available parking spaces in high-traffic, outdoor areas remains a significant challenge, leading to increased search times, congestion, and vehicle emissions. Traditional parking management systems, which rely on extensive sensor networks or camera-based infrastructure, often require high energy and maintenance costs, limiting their scalability. This paper proposes a drone-based smart parking system utilizing a novel algorithm designed to detect parking availability through red reflectors placed at each parking spot. The drone scans its designated area, identifies available spots by detecting the reflectors, and communicates real-time parking suggestions directly to incoming vehicles. This approach is energy-efficient, requiring minimal infrastructure, and adaptable to dynamic traffic conditions. The system effectively reduces the time drivers spend searching for parking, enhances traffic flow in high-congestion areas, and provides a scalable solution for smart city environments. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of this solution, showing a significant improvement in parking efficiency and user experience.