Magnetic sensors have proven to be highly reliable in detecting free parking spaces in cities around the world, although there is often a debate as to which is more appropriate in each case: buried or surface sensors? Both work by detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the presence of a vehicle occupying the space in question, and the choice between one or the other depends on several factors, such as the location and weather conditions.
Differences between buried and aboveground sensors
The cloud-based detection used by both buried and aboveground sensors ensures perfect calibration, which also has advanced filters and noise reduction systems that allow them to discriminate electromagnetic interference to give reliable results at all times. So what is the difference between the two?
1. Buried sensors
Buried detection sensors in parking spaces, being below ground, embedded in the pavement, are difficult to damage or tamper with. They are often the best choice for cities where there is some risk of vandalism. They operate on long-life batteries, which means that they do not require maintenance over their 10-year life span. Despite having to take a little longer to install it (about 10 minutes) as it has to be drilled into the ground to insert it, the rest of the interventions are done remotely.
Similarly, buried sensors are resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as rain or snow; it is the ideal choice for cities that are looking for a discreet result or that need as few obstacles as possible in the street so that people do not trip or to avoid disturbing regular maintenance, especially for snow plows.
Surface sensors
Surface sensors are placed directly in the ground without the need for drilling. It is not necessary to do any construction work, it takes less time to have the device ready and involves lower installation costs. They work with the same battery as the buried ones, so there are no cables either, only the encapsulation and the installation method change.
It is an equally accurate and more affordable option, designed for projects that are looking for a simple and quick installation, either because they cannot or prefer not to disturb the ground, however little. This reduces operating expense, especially in countries where labor is expensive. They are easily accessible for repair or replacement, and can be relocated with relative ease if needs change.
They are often the best choice for indoor and off-street parking lots, such as airports, shopping malls and corporate parking lots, especially when price is a sensitive factor. They work very well on rooftops, modular structures or multi-level parking lots where one guide per lane or floor is sufficient. It is the least advisable option in areas with high levels of vandalism or cities where it snows heavily and snow plows are used.
U-Spot: Single space IoT detection
Examples of Urbiotica success stories
1. Surface sensors in Monaco
The project carried out in Monaco by Urbiotica is a great example of how surface sensors are an alternative solution to specific market needs. The European city, due to the F1 Grand Prix, is compulsorily resurfaced every two years to maintain the quality of the ground during the competition that takes place on its streets. For this re-asphalting, it would be necessary to uninstall the buried sensors at ground level over and over again, an unnecessary expense that can be solved with surface sensors.
Buried Sensors in Burlington (Canada)
We said before that buried sensors are the best and only option for cities where the use of snowplows is part of the regular maintenance tasks to clear the streets, and this would be the case of the project carried out in Burlington. The extreme weather conditions required a robust solution that would allow the snowplows to pass through. An intelligent guidance system was installed to facilitate access and improve mobility, whatever the season. A surface one would be damaged during clearing.
3. Buried sensors in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (Brazil)
In the Brazilian city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, the blue zone was reactivated to improve vehicle turnover and facilitate access to local commerce. The project employed detection sensors buried at ground level both to promote unobstructed circulation and to reduce the risk of damage or theft given its high rate of vandalism. An equally affordable option that only requires some initial planning to install them underground.
Data analysis for parking management
Remember that parking sensors, of one type or another, collect information in real time on both the state of the parking space and the use made of it, being able to know the hours and days of greatest demand. This data is very useful for municipal authorities who have to make decisions in terms of urban planning, facilitating vehicle rotation and the location of spaces reserved for certain purposes once the real needs of the population are known.
The guidance and control systems to which the surface and buried detection sensors are linked are also compatible with many other devices and can work together as a more complex system. The idea is to be able to design tailor-made strategies that can be easily adapted to all types of parking lots, from on-street spaces to private spaces in companies and even universities.
Ultimately, the only real difference between one type of sensor and the other is its installation, one underground and one above the pavement. Both detection devices are highly reliable and will be ready to be part of any intelligent parking guidance and control project with a simple and quick installation. Each one exists to meet different needs and at Urbiotica we will always advise you on the best option for mobility in your city.
