I built FreeParkMap, a map for finding likely free parking spots using community map data
I recently launched the MVP of FreeParkMap, a web app for finding likely free parking spots.
The idea came from a trip with my wife where we spent too much time trying to figure out where we could park for free in an unfamiliar city. Most parking apps are focused on paid parking, garages, or official parking zones, but I wanted something that helps surface places where free street parking might actually be possible.
FreeParkMap uses OpenStreetMap data to detect parking-related map features and display possible free parking locations on a map. One reason I like using OSM for this is that the data is often maintained by local people with local knowledge. In many places, parking rules, street details, and small local changes are mapped by people who actually know the area.
The goal is not to guarantee that a place is free to park. Parking rules can change, signs can be confusing, and local restrictions may apply. Instead, FreeParkMap tries to surface locations that are worth checking.
Each possible parking location includes a recency indicator based on how fresh the underlying map data is. Newer data is treated as more reliable, while older data is shown with more caution.
The intended workflow is simple:
Find a possible free parking location
Check the area visually on Street View
Open directions in Google Maps
Verify the signs again in person before parking
The product is still early, but the core idea is to help drivers spend less time randomly searching for free parking, especially in unfamiliar cities.
