Park & Ride+ Delhi NCR 🚗🚇🔌

A comprehensive IoT-enabled real-time parking and transit information system for Delhi NCR, featuring Arduino sensor integration, interactive maps, community reporting, and intelligent parking search.

🌟 Overview

Park & Ride+ is a full-stack IoT web application that combines real Arduino hardware sensors with cloud-based deployment to help Delhi NCR commuters find parking, track public transit, and share community reports. The platform bridges physical parking sensors with a modern web interface for real-time availability tracking.

🌐 Live Application: https://park-ride-new1.vercel.app/

🎯 What Makes This Project Unique?

Real Hardware Integration:

• ✅ Arduino Mega 2560 with IR sensors detecting actual car entry/exit

• ✅ USB Serial Communication forwarding sensor data to cloud

• ✅ Node.js Serial Bridge running on local machine

• ✅ Vercel Serverless Functions receiving Arduino data via HTTP POST

• ✅ Firebase Firestore storing real-time parking availability

• ✅ React Frontend displaying live Arduino data (updates every 10 seconds)

Key Features:

• 🔌 Real Arduino Sensors - Physical IR sensors tracking parking occupancy

• 🗺️ Interactive Google Maps with real-time transit tracking

• 🅿️ Hybrid Data Model - 1 real Arduino parking + 2 simulated locations

• 📝 Community reporting system with image uploads

• ⭐ User favorites and personalized parking recommendations

• 🔍 Intelligent parking search with location-based filtering

• 🔐 Secure Firebase authentication

• 🚇 10 Metro lines visualization

• ⚡ Serverless Architecture - Works with Arduino locally and Vercel remotely

✨ Core Features

� Arduino IoT Integration (NEW!)

Hardware Setup:

• Microcontroller: Arduino Mega 2560

• Sensors: 2x IR Obstacle Sensors (Entry & Exit detection)

• Display: LCD 16x2 with I2C interface

• Actuator: SG90 Servo Motor (automated gate control)

• Communication: USB Serial (9600 baud)

System Architecture:

┌─────────────────┐

│ Arduino Mega │ ← IR Sensors (Pins 2 & 3)

│ (Hardware) │ ← LCD Display (I2C)

└────────┬────────┘ ← Servo Motor (Pin 9)

│ USB Serial (9600 baud)

↓

┌─────────────────┐

│ Serial Bridge │ ← Node.js (serialport)

│ (Local PC) │ ← Runs continuously

└────────┬────────┘

│ HTTP POST every 5s

↓

┌─────────────────┐

│ Vercel Function │ ← /api/arduino/parking

│ (Cloud API) │ ← Serverless

└────────┬────────┘

│ Store in Firestore

↓

┌─────────────────┐

│ Firebase │ ← Collection: arduino-parking

│ (Database) │ ← Real-time updates

└────────┬────────┘

│ GET /api/transit-data (10s polling)

↓

┌─────────────────┐

│ React Frontend │ ← Displays live data

│ (Vercel) │ ← Green card + parking list

└─────────────────┘

Arduino Features:

• ✅ Real-time car counting (entry/exit tracking)

• ✅ Available slots calculation (Total - Occupied)

• ✅ JSON output via Serial ({"parkingLotId":"SAB_Mall_Parking","totalSlots":3,"availableSlots":2})

• ✅ LCD display showing availability

• ✅ Automated gate control with servo

• ✅ Entry/exit beep indicators

Current Arduino Parking Locations:

1. SAB Mall Parking - 3 slots (Real Arduino data)

• Location: Sector 27, Noida

• GPS: [28.567582, 77.322673]

• Hourly Rate: ₹30/hr

• Status: 🟢 Live (Real-time updates)

2. Noida City Centre Parking (Optional second Arduino)

• Location: Sector 32, Noida

• GPS: [28.5744, 77.3564]

• Status: Can be configured in bridge script

Serial Bridge Configuration:

// arduino-serial-bridge.js

const port = '/dev/ttyUSB0';

const baudRate = 9600;

const serverUrl = 'https://park-ride-new1.vercel.app';

const postInterval = 5000; // 5 seconds

�🗺️ Interactive Mapping

• Google Maps Integration - Primary mapping with @react-google-maps/api

• Route Visualization - Polylines showing complete transit routes

• Color-coded Markers - Green (available), Orange (limited), Red (full) for parking

• Marker Clustering - Smart grouping of reports for better map clarity

• Location Search - Google Places API integration for address lookup

🅿️ Parking Management

Hybrid Data Model:

• 1 Real Arduino Location (SAB Mall Parking - Live sensors)

• 2 Simulated Locations (Connaught Place, India Gate - Demo data)

Arduino Parking Features:

• ✅ Real-time occupancy from IR sensors

• ✅ Automatic availability updates (every 5 seconds from hardware)

• ✅ Visual indicators: Green (available), Orange (limited), Red (full)

• ✅ Live percentage calculation

• ✅ "🔌 Arduino Connected" badge on cards

• ✅ Appears first in parking list (sorted by Arduino connection)

• ✅ Green gradient card in sidebar for selected Arduino parking

Simulated Parking Features:

• Realistic data using Faker.js

• Random availability changes (±5% every update)

• Used for demonstration and testing

• Same UI/UX as real Arduino data

Parking Card Information:

• Real-time availability tracking (e.g., "2/3 available")

• Capacity vs occupied visualization

• Hourly rate information

• Distance calculation from user location

• Quick add to favorites

• GPS coordinates for mapping

🚇 Transit Tracking

Metro Lines (10) - Simulated Data:

Metro Tracking Features:

• Route path visualization with DMRC color coding

• Speed and status indicators

• Next station information

• Simulated real-time movement

Note: Transit data is currently simulated using Faker.js for demonstration purposes.

📝 Community Reporting

Report Categories:

• 🚗 Parking Issues

• 🚇 Metro Updates

• 📝 General Reports

Features:

• Location-based reporting (click on map or use current location)

• Image upload support (Cloudinary + local storage fallback)

• Rich text descriptions with validation

• Community upvoting system

• Category-specific emoji markers

• Real-time report filtering

• Search functionality

• Report resolution tracking

⭐ Favorites System

• Save frequently used parking locations

• User-specific favorites tied to Firebase Auth

• Persistent storage in Firestore

• Quick access from dedicated Favorites page

• One-click add/remove functionality

• Visual indication on map for favorited lots

🔍 Parking Search

• Location-based Search - Find parking near any address

• Distance Filtering - 1km, 3km, 5km, 10km radius options

• Google Places Integration - Autocomplete address search

• Visual Results - Map markers for matching parking lots

• Detailed Cards - Distance, availability, and rates

• User Location - GPS-based current location detection

• Route Planning - Integration with route planner

🔐 Authentication & Security

• Firebase Authentication - Email/password login

• Protected Routes - Login required for app access

• Auth Context - Global authentication state management

• Session Persistence - Stay logged in across sessions

• User Profile - Display name and email management

• Secure API - Token-based API authentication

• Input Validation - Validator.js for sanitization

🏗️ Technology Stack

Hardware (IoT)

| Component | Model | Purpose |

|-----------|-------|---------|

| Microcontroller | Arduino Mega 2560 | Main controller for parking system |

| Entry Sensor | IR Obstacle Sensor | Detects car entry |

| Exit Sensor | IR Obstacle Sensor | Detects car exit |

| Display | LCD 16x2 (I2C) | Shows availability to drivers |

| Gate Control | SG90 Servo Motor | Automated barrier |

| Communication | USB Serial (9600) | Data transmission to PC |

Frontend

| Technology | Version | Purpose |

|------------|---------|---------|

| React | 18.2.0 | UI library |

| React Router | 6.30.1 | Client-side routing |

| Vite | 4.5.14 | Build tool & dev server |

| Google Maps API | 2.20.7 | Primary mapping solution |

| React Leaflet | 4.2.1 | Leaflet React components |

| React Leaflet Cluster | 3.1.1 | Marker clustering |

| Firebase | 10.14.1 | Client-side auth SDK |

Backend

| Technology | Version | Purpose |

|------------|---------|---------|

| Express.js | 5.1.0 | Web framework (local dev) |

| Node.js | 16+ | Runtime environment |

| SerialPort | 12.0.0 | Arduino USB communication |

| Axios | 1.7.9 | HTTP client for bridge |

| Firebase Admin | 13.5.0 | Server-side SDK |

| Faker.js | 10.1.0 | Simulated data generation |

| Multer | 2.0.2 | File upload handling |

| Cloudinary | 2.8.0 | Cloud image storage |

| Validator | 13.15.20 | Input sanitization |

| Winston | 3.18.3 | Logging framework |

| Helmet | 8.1.0 | Security middleware |

| Compression | 1.8.1 | Response compression |

| CORS | 2.8.5 | Cross-origin support |

Database & Storage

• Firebase Firestore - NoSQL database for reports, favorites, and Arduino parking data

• Cloudinary - Cloud-based image CDN (optional)

• Local Storage - Fallback for image uploads

Deployment & Infrastructure

• Vercel Serverless Functions - Production API endpoints

• Vercel Static Hosting - React frontend deployment

• Express Server - Local development fallback

• Node.js Serial Bridge - Runs on local machine with Arduino

• Continuous Deployment - Auto-deploy from Git (GitHub → Vercel)

📦 Installation & Setup

Prerequisites

• Node.js 16.0.0 or higher (Download)

• npm (comes with Node.js)

• Firebase Project (Create one)

• Google Maps API Key (Get key)

• Arduino Mega 2560 (optional - for real sensor data)

• Arduino IDE (if using hardware) (Download)

Part 1: Software Setup

Step 1: Clone Repository

git clone https://github.com/bikund2017/Park-Ride.git

cd Park-Ride

Step 2: Install Dependencies

# Install backend dependencies

npm install

# Install frontend dependencies

cd client

npm install

cd ..

Step 3: Firebase Setup

1. Create Firebase Project:

• Go to Firebase Console

• Click "Add Project"

• Enable Authentication (Email/Password)

• Enable Firestore Database

2. Download Service Account Key:

• Go to Project Settings → Service Accounts

• Generate New Private Key

• Save as serviceAccountKey.json in project root

3. Get Web App Credentials:

• Go to Project Settings → General

• Add Web App

• Copy configuration values

Step 4: Google Maps Setup

1. Go to Google Cloud Console

2. Create or select a project

3. Enable APIs:

• Maps JavaScript API

• Places API

• Geocoding API

4. Create credentials (API Key)

5. Restrict key (optional but recommended)

Step 5: Environment Variables

Backend Configuration (Create /.env):

# Server Configuration

NODE_ENV=development

PORT=3002


# Optional: Delhi Transit API

DELHI_TRANSIT_API_KEY=your_api_key_if_available

  

# Optional: Cloudinary Image Upload

CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloud_name

CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_api_key

CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_api_secret

  

# Optional: CORS Origins (comma-separated)

ALLOWED_ORIGINS=http://localhost:3000,http://localhost:5173

Frontend Configuration (Create /client/.env):

# Firebase Configuration

VITE_FIREBASE_API_KEY=your_firebase_api_key

VITE_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN=your-project.firebaseapp.com

VITE_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID=your-project-id

VITE_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET=your-project.appspot.com

VITE_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID=your_messaging_sender_id

VITE_FIREBASE_APP_ID=your_app_id

  
# Google Maps API Key

VITE_GOOGLE_MAP_API=your_google_maps_api_key

Step 6: Run Development Servers

Option 1: Run

# Terminal 1 - Backend (Port 3002)

npm run dev

# Terminal 2 - Frontend (Port 3000)

cd client

npm run dev

---

Part 2: Arduino Hardware Setup (Optional)

Step 1: Hardware Requirements

Components Needed:

• 1x Arduino Mega 2560

• 2x IR Obstacle Sensors

• 1x LCD 16x2 with I2C module

• 1x SG90 Servo Motor

• 1x Breadboard

• Jumper wires

• 1x USB A to B cable

• Power supply (if needed)

Step 2: Circuit Connections

IR Sensors:

• Entry Sensor:

• VCC → Arduino 5V

• GND → Arduino GND

• OUT → Arduino Pin 2

• Exit Sensor:

• VCC → Arduino 5V

• GND → Arduino GND

• OUT → Arduino Pin 3

LCD Display (I2C):

• VCC → Arduino 5V

• GND → Arduino GND

• SDA → Arduino SDA (Pin 20)

• SCL → Arduino SCL (Pin 21)

Servo Motor:

• Red Wire → Arduino 5V

• Brown Wire → Arduino GND

• Orange Wire → Arduino Pin 9

Step 3: Upload Arduino Code

1. Open Arduino IDE

2. Install Required Libraries:

• Go to Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries

• Install: LiquidCrystal_I2C

• Install: Servo

3. Load the Code:

• Open arduino/parking_sensor_system.ino

• Or copy code from arduino/ folder

4. Configure Settings:

#define TOTAL_PARKING_SLOTS 3 // Change based on your parking lot

#define PARKING_LOT_ID "SAB_Mall_Parking" // Unique identifier

5. Upload to Arduino:

• Select Board: Arduino Mega 2560

• Select Port: (e.g., COM3 or /dev/ttyUSB0)

• Click Upload

6. Verify Operation:

• LCD should display: "Available: X/3"

• Serial Monitor (9600 baud) should show JSON output

• Test sensors by moving hand in front of IR sensors

Step 4: Configure Serial Bridge

1. Find Arduino Port:

# Linux

ls /dev/tty*

# Look for /dev/ttyUSB0

2. Edit Bridge Configuration:

# Open arduino-serial-bridge.js

nano arduino-serial-bridge.js

3. Update Port Settings:

const portPath = '/dev/ttyUSB0'; // Change to your port

const baudRate = 9600;

const serverUrl = 'https://park-ride-new1.vercel.app'; // Or localhost:3002 for local

4. Install Bridge Dependencies:

npm install serialport axios

5. Run Serial Bridge:

node arduino-serial-bridge.js

6. Verify Connection:

• You should see: ✅ Arduino connected on /dev/ttyUSB0

• Every 5 seconds: ✅ Data sent to server successfully!

• Check Vercel/local server logs for incoming data

Step 5: Test Arduino Integration

1. Check Firebase:

• Go to Firebase Console → Firestore

• Look for collection: arduino-parking

• Should see document: SAB_Mall_Parking with latest data

2. Check Frontend:

• Open http://localhost:5173 (or Vercel URL)

• Search for "parking"

• SAB Mall Parking should appear first with 🔌 badge

• Availability should match Arduino LCD display

3. Test Real-Time Updates:

• Wave hand in front of Entry IR sensor

• LCD should update: "Available: 2/3"

• After 5 seconds, website should refresh

• Green card should show: "2 / 3 available"

Step 6: Keep Bridge Running (Production)

Option 1: Screen (Linux/Mac)

screen -S arduino-bridge

node arduino-serial-bridge.js

# Press Ctrl+A, then D to detach

# Reattach: screen -r arduino-bridge

---

📁 Project Structure

Park-Ride/

├── api/ # Vercel Serverless Functions

│ ├── arduino/

│ │ └── parking.js # POST/GET Arduino sensor data

│ ├── favorites.js # GET/POST favorites

│ ├── health.js # Health check endpoint

│ ├── report.js # POST new report

│ ├── reports.js # GET all reports

│ ├── transit-data.js # GET parking + transit data (hybrid)

│ ├── favorites/

│ │ └── delete.js # DELETE favorite

│ └── reports/

│ └── [id]/

│ └── upvote.js # POST upvote report

├── arduino/ # Arduino Hardware Code

│ ├── parking_sensor_system.ino # Main Arduino sketch

│ ├── arduino-serial-bridge.js # Node.js USB→HTTP bridge

│ └── README.md # Arduino setup guide

├── client/ # React Frontend

│ ├── public/ # Static assets

│ ├── src/

│ │ ├── components/ # React components

│ │ │ ├── Header.jsx # App header

│ │ │ ├── Navbar.jsx # Navigation bar

│ │ │ ├── Sidebar.jsx # Sidebar with real-time Arduino updates

│ │ │ ├── MapViewGoogle.jsx # Google Maps component

│ │ │ ├── ParkingSearch.jsx # Search functionality

│ │ │ ├── RoutePlanner.jsx # Route planning

│ │ │ ├── ReportForm.jsx # Report submission

│ │ │ ├── ProtectedRoute.jsx# Auth guard

│ │ │ └── LoadingSpinner.jsx# Loading UI

│ │ ├── contexts/

│ │ │ └── AuthContext.jsx # Auth state management

│ │ ├── pages/ # Route pages

│ │ │ ├── Home.jsx # Landing page

│ │ │ ├── Login.jsx # Login page

│ │ │ ├── Signup.jsx # Registration page

│ │ │ ├── Reports.jsx # Reports page

│ │ │ ├── Favorites.jsx # Favorites page

│ │ │ ├── About.jsx # About page

│ │ │ └── NotFound.jsx # 404 page

│ │ ├── App.jsx # Main app component

│ │ ├── main.jsx # App entry point

│ │ ├── firebaseConfig.js # Firebase client config

│ │ ├── index.css # Global styles

│ │ └── map-fix.css # Map-specific styles

│ ├── package.json # Frontend dependencies

│ └── vite.config.js # Vite configuration

├── services/

│ └── transitAPI.js # Transit API integration

├── utils/

│ └── logger.js # Winston logger

├── uploads/ # Local image storage

├── config.js # Server configuration

├── firebase.js # Firebase Admin SDK

├── server.js # Express server (local dev)

├── package.json # Backend dependencies

├── vercel.json # Vercel deployment config

├── nodemon.json # Nodemon configuration

├── cleanup-firebase.js # Firebase cleanup utility

├── serviceAccountKey.json # Firebase credentials (gitignored)

├── VERCEL_ARDUINO_SETUP.md # Arduino deployment guide

└── README.md # This file

🔌 API Reference

Base URL

• Local: http://localhost:3002/api

• Production: https://park-ride-new1.vercel.app/api

Arduino Endpoints (NEW!)

POST /api/arduino/parking

• Description: Receive Arduino sensor data (called by serial bridge)

• Body:

{

"parkingLotId": "SAB_Mall_Parking",

"totalSlots": 3,

"availableSlots": 2

}

• Response:

{

"success": true,

"message": "Arduino parking data saved successfully",

"data": {

"parkingLotId": "SAB_Mall_Parking",

"name": "SAB Mall Parking",

"location": [28.567582, 77.322673],

"totalSlots": 3,

"availableSlots": 2,

"lastUpdated": "2025-11-06T10:30:00.000Z"

}

}

GET /api/arduino/parking

• Description: Get latest Arduino parking data

• Response:

{

"data": [

{

"parkingLotId": "SAB_Mall_Parking",

"name": "SAB Mall Parking",

"totalSlots": 3,

"availableSlots": 2,

"location": [28.567582, 77.322673],

"hourlyRate": 30,

"lastUpdated": "2025-11-06T10:30:00.000Z"

}

]

}

Transit & Parking Data

GET /api/transit-data

• Description: Get all parking lots (Arduino + simulated) and transit vehicles

• Response:

{

"parkingLots": [

{

"id": "SAB_Mall_Parking",

"name": "SAB Mall Parking",

"location": [28.567582, 77.322673],

"capacity": 3,

"availableSpots": 2,

"hourlyRate": 30,

"arduinoConnected": true,

"lastUpdated": "2025-11-06T10:30:00.000Z"

},

{

"id": 0,

"name": "Connaught Place Park & Ride",

"location": [28.6315, 77.2167],

"capacity": 250,

"availableSpots": 180,

"arduinoConnected": false

}

],

"transitVehicles": [...],

"timestamp": "2025-11-06T10:30:00.000Z",

"dataMode": "hybrid"

}

GET /api/health

• Description: Server health check

• Response:

{

"status": "operational",

"timestamp": "2025-11-01T12:00:00.000Z",

"server": { "uptime": 12345, ... },

"apis": { ... },

"data": { "transitVehicles": 19, "parkingLots": 12 }

}

Reports

POST /api/report

• Description: Submit a new community report

• Body:

{

"location": [28.6139, 77.2090],

"description": "Parking lot full, overflow parking needed",

"category": "parking",

"imageUrl": "https://..."

}

• Response:

{

"message": "Report submitted successfully",

"reportId": "abc123"

}

GET /api/reports?category=parking&limit=100

• Description: Get all reports with optional filtering

• Query Params:

• category (optional): Filter by category

• search (optional): Search in descriptions

• limit (optional): Max results (default: 100)

• Response:

{

"reports": [...],

"total": 42

}

POST /api/reports/{id}/upvote

• Description: Upvote a specific report

• Response:

{

"message": "Report upvoted successfully",

"upvotes": 15

}

Favorites

POST /api/favorites

• Description: Add parking lot to favorites

• Body:

{

"userId": "firebase_user_id",

"parkingLotId": 5

}

GET /api/favorites?userId={userId}

• Description: Get user's favorite parking lots

• Response:

{

"favorites": [...]

}

DELETE /api/favorites/delete?userId={userId}&parkingLotId={lotId}

• Description: Remove from favorites

🎯 How It Works

IoT Data Flow (Arduino → Web)

1. Physical Event

└─ Car enters/exits parking lot

└─ IR Sensor detects movement (Pin 2 or 3)

└─ Arduino updates counter

└─ LCD displays: "Available: 2/3"

  

2. Serial Communication

└─ Arduino sends JSON via USB every loop

└─ {"parkingLotId":"SAB_Mall_Parking","totalSlots":3,"availableSlots":2}

└─ Serial Bridge (Node.js) receives data

  

3. HTTP POST to Cloud

└─ Bridge sends POST to Vercel

└─ https://park-ride-new1.vercel.app/api/arduino/parking

└─ Serverless function processes request

  

4. Database Storage

└─ Vercel function writes to Firebase

└─ Collection: arduino-parking

└─ Document: SAB_Mall_Parking

  

5. Frontend Polling

└─ React app fetches every 10 seconds

└─ GET /api/transit-data

└─ Merges Arduino + simulated data

  

6. UI Update

└─ Sidebar green card shows: "2 / 3 available"

└─ Parking list card updates with 🔌 badge

└─ Map marker changes color (Green/Orange/Red)

Authentication Flow

1. Client Initialization

• User accesses app at localhost:5173 (dev) or park-ride-new1.vercel.app (prod)

• React app loads with Firebase Auth check

• Google Maps API initializes with API key

2. Authentication Flow

• User logs in via Firebase Auth (email/password)

• Auth token stored in browser localStorage

• Protected routes check auth state via AuthContext

• User ID used for favorites and personalized features

3. Data Polling

• Client polls /api/transit-data every 10 seconds

• Server fetches Arduino data from Firebase

• Server generates simulated parking data (Faker.js)

• Hybrid data (1 real + 2 simulated) returned to client

4. Map Rendering

• Google Maps renders Delhi NCR centered at [28.6139, 77.2090]

• Arduino parking lots displayed with 🔌 badge

• Simulated parking shown with standard markers

• Real-time availability colors: Green (>50%), Orange (20-50%), Red (<20%)

5. Community Reports

• User clicks map or uses current location

• Fills out report form (description, category, optional image)

• Image uploaded to Cloudinary or local storage

• Report saved to Firestore with geolocation

• All users see report on map immediately

6. Favorites System

• User clicks star icon on parking lot (Arduino or simulated)

• Favorite saved to Firestore: favorites/{userId}-{lotId}

• Favorites page fetches user-specific favorites

• Real-time Arduino availability shown for favorited lots

7. Parking Search

• User enters address in search box

• Google Places Autocomplete suggests addresses

• User selects location or uses current GPS

• Map filters parking lots within selected radius

• Distance calculated using Haversine formula

Data Sources

Current Implementation:

• Arduino Data: Real IR sensor data (SAB Mall Parking - 3 slots)

• Simulated Data: 2 locations using Faker.js (Connaught Place, India Gate)

• Update Frequency:

• Arduino: Every 5 seconds (bridge POST interval)

• Frontend: Every 10 seconds (polling interval)

• Simulated: Random changes ±5% on each update

Real-Time Update Chain:

Arduino (5s) → Serial Bridge (5s) → Vercel (instant) → Firebase (instant) → Frontend (10s)

Total latency: 5-15 seconds from physical event to UI update

Manual Deployment

Build Frontend:

cd client

npm run build

# Output: client/dist/

Deploy client/dist/ to any static hosting:

• Netlify

• GitHub Pages

• Firebase Hosting

• AWS S3 + CloudFront

Deploy Serverless Functions:

• Copy api/ folder to serverless platform

• Configure environment variables

• Ensure Firebase Admin SDK credentials are set

📊 Data Model

Firestore Collections

arduino-parking (NEW!)

{

// Document ID: parkingLotId (e.g., "SAB_Mall_Parking")

parkingLotId: "SAB_Mall_Parking",

name: "SAB Mall Parking",

address: "313 B E, I Block, Pocket E, Sector 27, Noida",

location: [28.567582, 77.322673],

totalSlots: 3,

availableSlots: 2,

hourlyRate: 30,

lastUpdated: Timestamp

}

reports

{

id: "auto-generated",

location: [28.6139, 77.2090],

description: "Parking lot full",

category: "parking",

imageUrl: "https://...",

timestamp: Timestamp,

upvotes: 0,

resolved: false,

clientInfo: {

userAgent: "...",

ip: "..."

}

}

favorites

{

id: "userId-parkingLotId",

userId: "firebase_user_id",

parkingLotId: 5,

parkingLot: { /* full parking object */ },

createdAt: Date

}

🔒 Security

• ✅ Helmet.js for HTTP headers

• ✅ CORS configuration (restricted origins)

• ✅ Input validation with Validator.js

• ✅ Firebase Authentication

• ✅ Rate limiting (10kb body limit)

• ✅ Sanitized user inputs

• ✅ Secure file uploads (5MB limit, image only)

• ✅ Environment variable protection (.env files gitignored)

• ✅ API key restrictions (Google Maps - domain-locked)

• ✅ Arduino data validation (JSON schema check)

• ✅ Firebase Admin SDK server-side only (private key secured)

🐛 Known Issues & Limitations

• Arduino Dependency: Serial bridge must run on local machine with USB connection

• Single Arduino: Currently supports 1-2 Arduino devices (scalable with code changes)

• Latency: 5-15 seconds delay from physical event to UI update

• USB Requirement: Arduino must stay connected via USB (no WiFi module)

• Local Bridge: Bridge computer must stay online for cloud updates

• Transit Data: Metro tracking is simulated (real APIs pending integration)

• Image Uploads: Require Cloudinary account (local fallback available)

• Google Maps Billing: Requires enabled billing account (free tier available)

🗺️ Roadmap

Phase 1: Hardware Expansion ✅ (Current)

• Arduino Mega 2560 integration

• IR sensor entry/exit detection

• LCD display for drivers

• Servo motor gate control

• Serial USB communication

• Node.js serial bridge

• Vercel serverless endpoint

• Firebase real-time storage

• React frontend display

Phase 2: IoT Enhancement 🚧 (In Progress)

• Add WiFi module (ESP32/ESP8266) for wireless Arduino

• Support multiple Arduino devices (scalable architecture)

• Battery backup for power outages

• SMS/Email alerts for parking full

• QR code ticket system integration

• License plate recognition (camera + OCR)

Phase 3: Software Features 📋 (Planned)

• Integrate real Delhi Transit APIs (DMRC, DTC, Indian Railways)

• Push notifications for parking availability

• Reservation system (book parking spot in advance)

• Payment gateway integration (UPI, cards)

• Route optimization algorithm

• Historical analytics dashboard

• Admin panel for hardware management

• Mobile app (React Native)

Phase 4: Advanced IoT 🚀 (Future)

• AI/ML parking prediction (occupancy forecasting)

• Computer vision parking spot detection

• Smart city API integrations

• EV charging station integration

• Weather-based parking suggestions

📸 Screenshots & Demo

Arduino Hardware

• Physical parking sensor system

• IR sensors detecting car entry/exit

• LCD display showing real-time availability

• Servo motor controlling gate barrier

Web Application

• Interactive Google Maps with parking markers

• Real-time Arduino data display

• Green gradient card for selected Arduino parking

• 🔌 Badge indicating live hardware connection

Real-Time Updates

• Selected parking location card

• Live availability: "2 / 3 available"

• Data source indicator: "Real-time parking availability is being updated from Arduino sensors"

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Built with ❤️ and 🔌 for Delhi NCR commuters

Real Hardware + Real Code = Real Impact

Combining IoT hardware with cloud computing to solve real-world parking challenges

Made with React + Express + Arduino + Firebase + Google Maps

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🔌 IoT Technology Stack