ABSTRACT
This study explores the development of a Digital Twin (DT) prototype to support smart parking operations. It aims to achieve this through a combination of Computer Vision (CV) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools. Efficient space utilization in urban areas is challenging due to the pace of urbanization and demands for vehicle parking. Some studies have examined the application of different parking systems and monitoring solutions but are limited to indoor and sensor-based environments. To address this knowledge gap, a DT-enabled vision-based smart parking system is proposed by combining object detection, laser scanning, and BIM. The study adopts a design science methodology to achieve a methodological system that presents the representations within the requirements of a parking management system into a logical data structure. A prototype of the proposed smart parking system is developed and tested in a multi-bay car park. The research results demonstrate the effectiveness of the system and methods in the identification of occupied parking bays and vehicle tracking. The proposed approach provides an affordable solution for vehicle drivers and car park owners. In addition, it offers a convenient user experience by helping drivers identify available parking spaces around their destination and allows car park owners to monitor their facilities in real-time.
