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Real-Time Parking Map

This article describes the setup and use of the Real-Time Parking Map. This feature provides a publicly accessible, interactive map displaying real-time lot availability, allowing users to find parking and purchase temporary permits directly. 

Setup & Configuration

Setting up the map requires creating a public-facing page and then configuring each lot that you want to display on that map.

Step 1: Create the Map Page

  • Navigate to System Messaging and select the Page tab.

  • Create a new page that will host the map.

  • In the content area of this page, add the following two shortcodes, each on its own line:

    • [real-time-map]

    • [real-time-legend]

Step 2: Configure Individual Lots

For each lot you want to display on the map, you must configure the following settings.

  • In Zones and Locations:

    • Go to the Zones and Locations page.

    • Select the lot and set a map marker.

    • Enter a public-facing description in the Location field.

  • In Lot Administration:

    • Go to Lot Administration and select the same lot.

    • Go to the Temporary Parking tab.

    • Set the Maximum number of Temp Permits, a 30-day usage setting, and the Daily Cost and Hourly costs.

    • Enable the Allow this lot to appear on the Real-Time Parking Map checkbox.

Step 3: Optional - Configure Special Spots

  1. Go to Lot Administration and select Manage Special Space Types.

  2. Click Add New to create informational categories such as 'Electric Vehicle Charging' or 'Handicapped Accessible'.

  3. Navigate back to Lot Administration and select the lot you wish to update.

  4. Go to the General tab and enter the number of spaces available for each Special Space Type.

Using this Feature

Once configured, the map is accessible to both the public for finding and purchasing parking, and to administrators for viewing lot statistics.

Public User View

  • The map is accessible to the public at the URL: https://yourdomain.parkadmin.com/real-time

  • Users can hover over a map marker to see the lot name and description.

  • Clicking a marker displays detailed availability, information about special spots, and a Book Now button. Clicking this button directs them to the temporary permit purchase screen.

Administrator View

  • Administrators can view the map internally by hovering over Parking Management and clicking Real-Time Map.

  • The admin view is similar to the public map, but clicking on the map markers will display more detailed lot statistics.

Best Practices & Considerations

  • The Real-Time Map is designed for temporary parking. A lot will not appear on the map unless all the required fields on the Temporary Parking tab in Lot Administration are correctly filled out and the feature is enabled with the checkbox.
  • Write clear and helpful descriptions in the Location field under Zones and Locations. This text is visible to the public when they hover over a map marker and can be used to provide useful information, like 'Visitor Parking - North Campus'.
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