Parking
Parking Occupancy Studies
Measuring parking demand over time.
By SWAT Alliance Editorial Team · Updated 25 August 2026
Insight at a glance
A short visual checklist for better study decisions.
Use the article as a starting point, then confirm the project-specific scope, method, review and output with the delivery team.
Question
What decision should this evidence help someone make?
Scope
Which locations, movements, classes and periods matter?
Review
How will completeness and definitions be checked?
Output
What format will make the result easiest to use?
Short answer
A parking occupancy study records how many eligible parking spaces are occupied at defined observation times.
Inventory before percentage
Map the study boundary and state which spaces are eligible. Public, staff, loading, reserved, closed and informal spaces may need separate treatment.
Occupancy, turnover and duration differ
Occupancy is a snapshot or sweep-based measure. Turnover and duration require additional rules and a method that can follow the required events lawfully and reliably.
Interpretation
The result shows observed use of the agreed inventory in the stated period. It is not, on its own, a future-demand forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Can entries and exits be included?
Yes, but they are a separate access activity measure and should be scoped separately from occupancy.
How often should spaces be observed?
Choose a sweep interval that matches the question and anticipated rate of change.
Go deeper
Parking Occupancy Methodology
A repeatable approach for measuring how parking spaces are used over time.
View Methodology →Related services