Computer Graphics and Parking

P arking is characterized by movement and storage in space. The investigation of parking systems therefore involves the study of spatial systems. Computer graphics provides an extremely useful medium for developing, amending, and studying parking systems. The past five years have seen considerable developments in microcomputers and computer graphics. These developments are having considerable impacts in all areas of parking planning. One of the major areas of impact is parking systems design. Parking systems design is an iterative process wherein designers propose, evaluate, and modify alternatives, progressively moving towards a solution. Developments in personal computers provide the basis for constructing quick, inexpensive computer-aided design (CAD) procedures that can evaluate large numbers of alternatives and provide immediate feedback. These procedures provide a high level of accuracy, flexible editing methods, and access to powerful evaluation tools. Computer-aided designs can even go so far as to lead a planner through the design process, hence encouraging a structured approach to design.