Every trucker knows that finding a parking spot is the tucking equivalent to finding a needle in a haystack. But what if the satellite radio receiver on your dash took care of this tedious task for you?

Although not quite ready for the market, XM Satellite Radio has announced a concept system, called “Dynamic Parking Information,” which would provide motorists with up-to-date information on the number of available parking spaces in any given parking lot.

According to Newsday, the system relies on special sensors, many of which are already in use in parking structures for other tracking purposes, to compute an exact number or a percentage of spaces available in a lot. The information would then be relayed to the driver’s dashboard display, most likely using the existing XM NavTraffic navigation system.

“When you start thinking about what drivers need, the three things on top of the list are traffic, weather and parking,” Roderick MacKenzie, XM vice president of advance applications and services, told Newsday. “Those are kind of natural areas to focus on.”

Although the program will initially be aimed at parking garages and lots in shopping areas, David Butler, a spokesperson for XM, said the program would be easily adaptable to truck stops and rest areas, if those businesses invested in the necessary sensors.

Butler added that the trucking market is key to XM’s success, because the concept of a coast-to-coast radio network is very appealing to long-haul truckers.

“Truck drivers are among the most passionate and loyal XM customers,” Butler said. “Listeners tune in to Open Road for long stretches of time. As a result, it is one of a select group of channels that attract the longest-term listening.”

– By Aaron Ladage, staff writer
aaron_ladage@landlinemag.com