🚗 MeParqueo: Integrating IoT and Mobile for Smart Parking Solution
The main technical challenge of MeParqueo was creating a complete ecosystem connecting physical IoT sensors with a real-time mobile application to solve the vehicular chaos in downtown Montería. As technical leader of the project, I designed an architecture integrating ESP32 hardware with LoRaWAN, robust backend with PHP, and cross-platform mobile application. This smart parking solution directly addresses the negative impact of the ZER zone (Regulated Parking Zone), offering drivers real-time information about parking availability.
The problem was complex: drivers were losing time, money and peace of mind looking for parking in a growing city. The solution required seamless integration between hardware, long-range connectivity and optimized mobile experience.
🏗️ Technology Stack and IoT Infrastructure
As development team leader, I implemented a hybrid architecture combining IoT, scalable backend and mobile application:
Mobile App - React Native
Stack: React Native, TypeScript, Redux Toolkit, React Query
Key Features:
- Interactive map with real-time location
- Integrated navigation to available parking lots
- Push notifications for space availability
- Offline synchronization with intelligent cache
Technical Decision: React Native for simultaneous iOS/Android deployment with 95% shared code.
Backend API - PHP + PostgreSQL
Stack: PHP, PostgreSQL, WebSockets, Docker
Responsibilities:
- REST API with documented endpoints
- WebSockets for real-time communication with sensors
- Relational database optimized for geospatial queries
- JWT authentication system with refresh tokens
Architecture: Modular architecture with specialized controllers (users, parking lots, sensors, notifications).
IoT Hardware - ESP32 + LoRaWAN
Stack: ESP32 WiFi LoRa Heltec, C++, TTN (The Things Network)
Components:
- Ultrasonic sensors for vehicle detection
- LoRaWAN transmission for extended urban range
- TTN Gateway configured for downtown Montería coverage
- Optimized battery with deep sleep modes
💡 Technical Leadership and Integration Challenges
As team leader, I coordinated the complex integration between three technological domains:
IoT-Backend Integration:
- Bidirectional communication protocol between sensors and API
- Gateway management with TTN for urban scalability
- Robust data pipeline for sensor signal processing
- Fault tolerance with automatic retries and fallbacks
Real-Time Synchronization:
- WebSockets implementation for instant availability updates
- Distributed state management between mobile app and backend
- Geolocation optimization for efficient nearby parking queries
- Offline-first approach for functionality without connectivity
Development Methodology:
- Cross-functional sprints coordinating hardware, backend and mobile
- Distributed testing: Unit tests, Integration tests, Hardware simulations
- Mandatory code reviews especially for IoT integration
- Automated deployment with CI/CD for backend and mobile builds
🎯 Results and Media Recognition
The project achieved:
- Functional application available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- Deployed sensor network at strategic points in downtown Montería
- Media recognition in Chicanoticias as outstanding student innovation
- Scalable architecture ready for expansion to other city areas
- Successful demonstration of IoT + Mobile integration in real urban environment
🚀 Technical and Social Impact
MeParqueo represents more than a parking app; it’s a demonstration of comprehensive technical capabilities:
- Full-stack development from hardware to UI/UX
- IoT architecture with robust communication protocols
- Cross-platform mobile development with optimized performance
- Database design for efficient geospatial queries
- DevOps practices with automated deployment and monitoring
The project validates diverse technical skills while generating direct social impact, solving real urban mobility problems with cutting-edge technology.
🔗 Technical Resources
- Google Play Store - Android Application
- Apple App Store - iOS Application
- Media Coverage - Recognition in Chicanoticias
This project demonstrates complete integration of emerging technologies (IoT + Mobile + Backend) applied to real urban problems, highlighting technical leadership and full-stack development capabilities.