Figure 1: A selection of assets displayed in AssetScape

Resources

Exploiting the following resources enabled us to complete the task with maximum accuracy:

• Aerial LiDAR
• Orthographic imagery
• Google Street View
• Existing inventory

Methodology

Our experienced team of data technicians moved along routes within AssetScape’s 3D world to carry out the following processes:

• Use all available imagery to establish the location and type of each asset on a route
• ‘Accept’ into the new asset catalogue any assets from the existing inventory that can be positively identified
• Add to the new asset catalogue any assets identified in the imagery but not present in the existing inventory
• Add comments and alerts to assets that require them. For example, assets that cannot be identified or require additional investigation.

We complemented this methodology with a robust auditing system that included progress tracking, spot checks and comment and alert reviews to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Figure 2: AssetsScape’s 2D GIS viewer helps give auditors and technicians an overview of progress

Figure 3: A selected asset and its ‘Edit Asset’ panel

Overcoming Challenges

Accurately and consistently identifying nearly 45 separate asset types, most with several distinct subtypes, was achieved by:

• Selecting a team of practiced data technicians with previous experience of both AssetScape and highways assets
• Working with experts in a range of fields, from drainage to road markings, to build a comprehensive manual that allowed our technicians to identify assets with confidence
• Having these experts available to our data technicians
• Keeping an issues log that was regularly updated, handled and cleared