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.

First, to have this enabled, you will need to contact an OPSCOM support staff member, and have them enable it on your production system.

Step 1: Adding the Map to any page in OPSCOM

A Map page is now provided by default, at this link: [CLIENT NAME].ops-com.com/u/#/realtimemodal

If you would like to display the map on any other system messaging pages, such as the user login screen, or anywhere else, follow the instructions below; 

• Navigate to System Configuration, then Content & Designs and click Pages and Content Blocks.

• Create a new page (or edit an existing one) 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.

First, go to Pricing and Lot Admin.

• In the Zones and Location tab:

  • Select the lot and set a map marker.

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

   

• Now that you have set a map marker and location;

  • 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.
• The Admin view has been updated to show Pay by Plate machine capacity in each lot if applicable, all other spaces availability, including special spaces such as handicap and pregnancy spaces.

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'.