November 1st, 2023 – October 7th, 2024
Overview
This project was a hackathon project for the YCPHacks hackathon for the 2023 season. Our hack was a parking solution for larger lots and potential to be integrated into Google Maps or Apple Maps. The team working on this project involved myself, Baia G, Brendan H, and Youssouf H. My role in the project was the fullstack engineer that developed the database and data structures for the system, and implemented the communication standards between the hardware and software. The hack won 1st place in accessibility for the hackathon. You can still view this project on Devpost.
The Problem
The problem we had was finding parking in a shorter amount of time simply because it was time consuming and often frustrating. For example, you may be in a rush to find long-term parking in an airport parking structure. You search for a few precious minutes and grow frustrated. Finally, you spot a space and take it. On your brisk walk into the airport you notice a few spots that would have saved you time and frustration had you noticed it earlier.
The Solution
Space Spotter is our solution. The name is not related to its function. The solution is a hardware and software combination for a cutting edge ideal solution to the common problem. The hardware would keep track of open spaces and manage timing for parking times across one or multiple lots. This involves a central manager system that is hooked up to a network of other smaller and cheaper sensors for each individual parking space. This data is stored in our custom database and shown upon request to a user via our user-friendly web app.
My Role
I was the full stack engineer that developed the webserver, the database, and the website functionality. Additionally, I developed the protocols for the communication between the sensors and the central device, along with the central device and the webserver.
The Future of SpaceSpotter
The future for this project used to be to continue its development and eventually offer it to a few locations around us. Originally, we had planned to make it a subscription-based service that collected money from businesses that wanted parking lot management and better user experiences. That way,. the user would have no cost and would find more convenience in the business. However, the team has since moved on from this project onto bigger and better things. Development on this project lasted almost a year.
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