System, server and data capture device for roadside asset tracking and maintenance monitoring

A method for roadside asset tracking and maintenance monitoring, the method comprising:

• periodically deploying a vehicle alongside a roadside section, the vehicle comprising:
• a grass cutter unit controllable to be moveable with respect to the vehicle;
• at least one digital camera configured to follow the movement of the grass cutter unit;
• a data capture device comprising:
• an asset proximity detector for detecting the proximity of roadside assets;
• an asset data capture device operably coupled to the at least one digital camera configured for capturing roadside asset image data, the asset data capture device triggered by the asset proximity detector;
• a global positioning system (GPS) receiver;
• and
• a data interface for communicating with an asset management server, the server comprising an asset tracking register database;
• receiving the roadside asset image data representing images taken of a plurality of roadside assets;
• receiving location data from the GPS receiver representing the respective locations the roadside assets;
• utilising an asset type image recognition technique for automating the identification of the roadside assets;
• comparing roadside asset data of the asset tracking register database to:
• record newly identified roadside assets and their respective locations in the asset tracking register database;
• and
• identify missing roadside assets.