Patent Publication Number: US-2017372339-A1

Title: System and method for surveying asset inventory of lighting fixture infrastructure

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to information systems and, more specifically, to an assert inventory survey system and method of operating the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various entities, such as electric utility providers or municipalities, own lighting infrastructure and associated assets. In order to maintain these assets, maintenance personnel needs to not only know the location of the asset upon which to perform work, but also an identification of the asset. In the case of pole-mounted lighting fixture access to the lighting fixture could be affected by other equipment mounted to the same pole, or could be hindered by vegetation. Some of these entities do not have an inventory of the assets owned. Some of these entities do not have information about the location and/or condition of the assets that are in service in the field. Some of these entities have a partial list of assets owned with only a street address as the location of the assets. As streets can be nameless, renamed, relocated, resized, or removed, a street address does not provide a timeless geographical location. Also, as a single street address could apply to a large geographical area, maintenance personnel may experience difficulty locating a particular pole or a pole-mounted asset upon which to perform work, even if the maintenance personnel knows the street address. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor, and a database configured to store asset inventory survey data of at least one asset owner. The processor is configured to execute a graphical user interface (GUI) through an electronic display. The GUI includes a geographical map, a geospatial pin on the map at a location corresponding to a location field value of an asset record in the database, and at least one content control configured to add or update at least one corresponding field value in the database using content inputted to the at least one content control. The processor is configured to determine that a user associated with a particular asset owner from among the at least one asset owner is authorized to access asset inventory survey data of the particular asset owner. The processor is configured to: based on the determination, display the asset inventory survey data of the particular asset owner in the GUI. 
     In a second embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a computer program is provided. The computer program includes computer readable program code that, when executed by processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to: store, in a database, asset inventory survey data of at least one asset owner. The computer program includes computer readable program code that, when executed by processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to: execute a graphical user interface (GUI) through an electronic display. The GUI includes: a geographical map, a geospatial pin on the map at a location corresponding to a location field value of an asset record in the database, and at least one content control corresponding to at least one field value in the database. The computer program includes computer readable program code that, when executed by processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to: add or update the at least one field value using content inputted to the at least one content control. The computer program includes computer readable program code that, when executed by processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to: determine that a user associated with a particular asset owner from among the at least one asset owner is authorized to access asset inventory survey data of the particular asset owner. The computer program includes computer readable program code that, when executed by processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to: based on the determination, display the asset inventory survey data of the particular asset owner in the GUI. 
     In a third embodiment, a method includes storing, in a database, asset inventory survey data of at least one asset owner. The method includes executing a graphical user interface (GUI) through an electronic display. The GUI includes: a geographical map, a geospatial pin on the map at a location corresponding to a location field value of an asset record in the database, and at least one content control corresponding to at least one field value in the database. The method includes adding or updating the at least one field value using content inputted to the at least one content control. The method includes determining that a user associated with a particular asset owner from among the at least one asset owner is authorized to access asset inventory survey data of the particular asset owner. The method includes: based on the determination, displaying the asset inventory survey data of the particular asset owner in the GUI. 
     Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
     Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and/or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C. 
     Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device. 
     Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example computing system in which various embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example processing device in a computing system according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example survey device in a computing system according to this disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a user equipment displaying a user interface generated by the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an initial logged-in screen according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a display screen of a GUI according to an installation function of the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a display screen of a GUI according to the punch list function of the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a display screen of a GUI according to the “New Asset” function of the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example location section of a GUI generated by the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example equipment section of a GUI generated by the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example of display screen of a section of obstructions flags and a section of review flags according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a photo section according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a status section of a GUI according to the “New Asset” function according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a display screen showing a notes section of the GUI according to the “New Asset” function of the survey tool according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a display screen of a comma separated value (CSV) data export of multiple records from the asset inventory survey database according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a display screen of a Keyhole Markup Language (KML) data export of multiple records from the asset inventory survey database according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates various KML and CSV exports by specific criteria according to this disclosure; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a method for building an asset inventory survey database and generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database according to this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 18 , discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a web-based application of the survey tool configured to perform real-time inventory identification, recordation, and management in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the survey device or system is configured to communicate with one or more survey device in one or more remote geographical locations to obtain real-time status information regarding one or more assets located remotely from a central operating facility. In certain embodiments, the survey device or system updates, in real-time, an asset inventory survey database that can be further accessed by one or more operator terminals that are either co-located or remotely located from the asset inventory survey database. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example computing and communication system  100  in which various embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented. The embodiment of the computing system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the computing system  100  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  includes a network  102 , which facilitates communication between various components in the system  100  on one or more communication channels. The network  102  may communicate Internet Protocol (IP) packets, frame relay frames, or other information between network addresses. The network  102  may include one or more local area networks (LANs): metropolitan area networks (MANs); wide area networks (WANs); all or a portion of a global network, such as the Internet; or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. 
     The network  102  facilitates communications between one or more servers  104  and various client devices  106 - 114 . Each of the servers  104  includes any suitable computing or processing device that can provide computing services for one or more client devices. Each of the servers  104  could, for example, include one or more processing devices, one or more memories storing instructions and data, and one or more network interfaces facilitating communication over the network  102 . For example, one or more of the servers  104  may include processing circuitry for executing a web-based application for building an asset inventory survey database and generating a graphical user interface including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database, as discussed in greater detail below. That is, the servers  104  include a survey tool  120  that includes the web-based application, which when executed, builds the asset inventory survey database  120  (described in detail below). In certain embodiments, a server  104  stores the asset inventory survey database  122 , and in other embodiments, the server  104  is coupled to a memory that stores the asset inventory survey database  122 . 
     Each client device  106 - 114  represents any suitable computing or processing device that interacts with at least one server or other computing device(s) over the network  102 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the client devices  106 - 114  receive user input (e.g., user authentication information or menu selections) and may include processing circuitry for providing inputs (e.g., via a web browser) to the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , which uses the inputs for building an asset inventory survey database and generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database  122 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the client devices  106 - 114  control an electronic display to display a GUI including a display screen of information of the asset inventory survey database  122  received from the server  104 . Each of the client devices  106 - 114  either includes or is connected to a display device for display of the GUI including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database  122 . In this example, the client devices  106 - 114  include a computer  106 , a mobile telephone or smartphone  108 , a personal digital assistant (PDA)  110 , a laptop computer  112 , and tablet computer  114 . However, any other or additional client devices could be used in the communication system  100 . In this example, some client devices  108 - 114  communicate indirectly with the network  102 . For example, the client devices  108 - 110  communicate via one or more base stations  116 , such as cellular base stations or eNodeBs. Also, the client devices  112 - 114  communicate via one or more wireless access points  118 , such as IEEE 802.11 wireless access points. Note that these are for illustration only and that each client device could communicate directly with the network  102  or indirectly with the network  102  via any suitable intermediate device(s) or network(s). 
     According to this disclosure, the computing and communication system  100  includes the asset inventory survey database  122 , which includes an asset owners database  124  as well as a of asset survey database  126 . For example, the asset inventory survey database  122  can be a specifically configured database structure stored on a memory of one or more servers  104  coupled to the survey tool  120 . The asset survey database  126  is configured to store records of lighting infrastructure and associated assets. The asset owner database  124  is configured to store records of asset owners, who own the lighting infrastructure and associated assets corresponding to the records stored in the asset survey database  126 . The survey tool  120  generates a relationship link for each record in the asset survey database  126  to link to an asset owner record, such that each asset corresponds to its owner. 
     Also, the asset owner database  124  is configured to store records of users authorized to access the asset survey database  126 . The survey tool  120  generates a relationship link for each asset owner record to link to a number of authorized user records. Each authorized user record contains user authentication information, such as a user name and password. The survey tool  120  enables the server  104  to determine that user authentication information received from a client device  106 - 114  matches the user authentication information in an authorized user record. In response to the determination, the survey tool  120  allows the server  104  to send that client device  106 - 114  information from the asset inventory survey database  122  that is linked to the same asset owner record that is linked the authorized user record containing the matched user authentication information. 
     For each asset owner record, an administrator of the web-based application of the survey tool  120  could select a number of authorized user records linked to that asset owner record, and in response, the survey tool  120  could generate the selected number of authorized user records linked to that asset owner record or could set the selected number of authorized user records as maximum number of authorized user records that can be linked to that asset owner record. The asset inventory survey database  122  is not limited to the databases  124 - 124 , and could include additional databases. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a communication system  100 , various changes may be made to  FIG. 1 . For example, the system  100  could include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, computing and communication systems come in a wide variety of configurations, and  FIG. 1  does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular configuration. While  FIG. 1  illustrates one operational environment in which various features disclosed in this patent document can be used, these features could be used in any other suitable system. For example, an asset inventory survey database  122  can be provided to user devices (e.g., client device  1226 - 1215 ) without using the network  102 , such as via a computer readable medium (e.g., flash memory storage device, compact disc, or the like). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example survey processing device  200  according to this disclosure. The embodiment of the survey processing device  200  is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the survey processing device  200  is configured as one or more servers  104 . In certain embodiments, the survey processing device  200  is included as a component in or coupled to one or more servers  104  or the client devices  106 - 114  in  FIG. 1  to implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the survey processing device  200  includes a bus system  205 , which supports communication between at least one processor  210 , at least one storage device  215 , at least one communication interface  220 , at least one input/output (I/O) unit  225 , and a display  240 . 
     The processor  210  executes instructions that may be loaded into a memory  230 . The processor  210  can include any suitable number(s) and type(s) of processors or other devices in any suitable arrangement. Example types of processor  210  include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and discreet circuitry. For example, the processor  210  can implement the web-based application of the survey tool  120  for building an asset inventory survey database and generating a graphical user interface including a display screen of information stored in the asset inventory survey database being implemented in hardware or by executing stored instructions that causes the processor  210  to perform the disclosed methods. 
     In certain embodiments, the processor  210  is a survey device (SD) processor configured to control operations of the web-based application of the survey tool  120  to perform inventory identification, recordation, and management in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the survey processing device  200  includes the processor  210  and a SD processor. The SD processor is configured to control the communication of survey data to and from the survey processing device  200  and to and from the asset inventory survey database  122 . The SD processor controls communications with one or more client devices  106 - 114 . The SD processor also is configured to manage authority levels of users accessing the web-based application of the survey tool  120 . In certain embodiments, the SD processor is configured to communicate with one or more client devices  106 - 114  to control one or more aspects of the client devices  106 - 114 , such as a display and display operations. The SD processor is configured to generate display information corresponding to specific geographic locations, receive update information regarding specific geographic locations, and edit one or more aspects of the asset inventory survey database  122 . 
     The memory  230  and a persistent storage  235  are examples of storage devices  215 , which represent any structure(s) capable of storing and facilitating retrieval of information (such as asset inventory survey data, program code, and/or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis). The memory  230  may represent a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device(s). For example, the memory  230  may contain instructions for building an asset inventory survey database and generating a graphical user interface including a display screen of information stored in the asset inventory survey database and/or may store all or portions of the asset inventory survey database  122  received by a server  104  or from one or more survey tools  120 . The persistent storage  235  may contain one or more components or devices supporting longer-term storage of data, such as a read-only memory, hard drive, Flash memory, or optical disc. For example, the persistent storage  235  can contain asset survey data such as a location and manufacturer name of an asset. 
     The communication interface  220  supports communications with other systems or devices. For example, the communication interface  220  could include a network interface card, a cable modem, or a wireless transceiver facilitating communications over the network  102 . The communication interface  220  can support communications through any suitable physical or wireless communication link(s). 
     The I/O unit  225  allows for input and output of data. For example, the I/O unit  225  can provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touchscreen, or other suitable input device. The I/O unit  225  can also send output to the display  240 , printer, or other suitable output device. 
     The survey processing device  200  further includes or is connected to a display  240 , such as, the electronic displays of the various client devices  106 - 114 . In one example embodiment, the survey processing device  200  is processing circuitry included in the various client devices  106 - 114  for a GUI including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database to be displayed. In another example embodiment, the survey processing device  200  can be the server  104  connected to an electronic display for a GUI including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database to be displayed and seen by an administrator of the web-based application of the survey tool  120 . In yet another example embodiment, the survey processing device  200  can be a server  104  connected to an electronic display device over a network connection. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example survey device in a computing system according to this disclosure. The embodiment of the survey device  300  shown in  FIG. 3  is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The survey device  300  can be configured as a standalone device, as one or more of the client devices  106 - 114  or as an apparatus included in one or more of the client devices  106 - 114 . 
     In certain embodiments, the survey device  300  includes an antenna  305 , a radio frequency (RF) transceiver  310 , transmit (TX) processing circuitry  315 , a microphone  320 , and receive (RX) processing circuitry  325 . The survey device  300  also includes a speaker  330 , a processor  340 , an input/output (I/O) interface (IF)  345 , a keypad  350 , a display  355 , and a memory  360 . The memory  360  includes a basic operating system (OS) program  361  and one or more applications  362 . 
     The RF transceiver  310  receives, from the antenna  305 , an incoming RF signal transmitted by another component in a system. The RF transceiver  310  down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is sent to the RX processing circuitry  325 , which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and/or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry  325  transmits the processed baseband signal to the speaker  330  (such as for voice data) or to the processor  340  for further processing (such as for web browsing data). 
     The TX processing circuitry  315  receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone  320  or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the processor  340 . The TX processing circuitry  315  encodes, multiplexes, and/or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver  310  receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from the TX processing circuitry  315  and up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna  305 . 
     The processor  340  can include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute the basic OS program  361  stored in the memory  360  in order to control the overall operation of the client device  300 . For example, the processor  340  could control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceiver  310 , the RX processing circuitry  325 , and the TX processing circuitry  315  in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the processor  340  includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. 
     The processor  340  is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory  360 , such as operations for in response to providing inputs to the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , controlling an electronic display to display a GUI including a display screen of information of the asset inventory survey database  122  received from the server  104 . The processor  340  can move data into or out of the memory  360  as required by an executing process. In some embodiments, the processor  340  is configured to execute the applications  362  based on the OS program  361  or in response to signals received from external devices or an operator. For example, the applications  362  can include a client-device version of the web-based application of the survey tool  120  configured to perform inventory identification, recordation, and management in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor  340  is also coupled to the I/O interface  345 , which provides the survey device  300  with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I/O interface  345  is the communication path between these accessories and the main controller  340 . 
     The processor  340  is also coupled to the keypad  350  and the display unit  355 . The operator of the survey device  300  can use the keypad  350  to enter data into the survey device  300 . The display  355  may be a liquid crystal display or other display capable of rendering text and/or at least limited graphics, such as from web sites. 
     The memory  360  is coupled to the processor  340 . Part of the memory  360  could include a random access memory (RAM), and another part of the memory  360  could include a Flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM). 
     As described in more detail below, the survey device  300  includes a web browser, through which the survey device  300  receives user input indicating a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to access the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , and through which the survey device  300  receives user input including user authentication information in order for the web-based application of the survey tool  120  to unblock access to the asset inventory survey database  122 . Once unblocked, the survey device  300  receives, from the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , an initial logged-in screen  500  (described in detail with reference to  FIG. 5 ). The survey device  300  receives subsequent user inputs indicating user selections, in response to which the survey device  300  receives, from the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , other display screens generated by the web-based application of the survey tool  120 . 
     Although  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate examples of devices in a computing system, various changes may be made to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, various components in  FIGS. 2 and 3  could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs. As a particular example, the processor  340  could be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Also, while  FIG. 3  illustrates the survey device  300  configured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, client devices could be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices. In addition, as with computing and communication networks, client devices and servers can come in a wide variety of configurations, and  FIGS. 2 and 3  do not limit this disclosure to any particular client device or server. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a survey device (SD) displaying a user interface generated by the web-based application of the survey tool  120  according to this disclosure. In the example, shown, the SD is a tablet computer  414 , which could be the same as or similar to the tablet computer  114  of  FIG. 1 . In certain embodiments, the SD is configured as the tablet computer  414 . In certain embodiments, table computer  414  includes the survey device  300 . 
     The tablet  414  includes a display screen  400  configured to display a user interface. In certain embodiments, the display screen is a touch screen. The tablet  414  also includes one or more processors configured to control the display screen  400  and one or more functions of the tablet  414 , such as operations for the SD including performing inventory identification, recordation, and management in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in the example shown in  FIG. 4A , in response to a user input of a specific geographic location, such as an address, grid coordinate, global positioning system (GPS) coordinate, or the like, an SD processor within the table computer  414 , retrieves information via one or more antenna and generates display information corresponding to the specific geographic location. The display  400  presents the display information including a graphic user interface (GUI) according to a “Search Address” function within the survey tool  120 . The GUI according to a “Search Address” function includes heading section  402 , a map section  404 , a function menu section  406 , and a tabular query results section  408 . Additional sections could be included (i.e., displayed) in the GUI according to a “Search Address” function. Note, in certain embodiments, dimensions of the display  355  prevent the tablet computer  414  from displaying a single display screen containing the entire GUI according to a “Search Address” function, as such, a scroll function could be used. That is, the display screen  400  presents a partial portion of the entire GUI according to a “Search Address” function, and a scrolling operation, such as up, down, left or right, can cause the tablet computer  414  to display other portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the heading section  402  includes a horizontal bar underlying differently colored text including a display of a name  410 , such as the name of the manufacturer of the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , the name of the Asset Owner, or the name of the web-based application of the survey tool  120 . The heading section  402  can include a trademark  412  associated with the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , a user name  416  of the logged-in user authorized to access the asset survey database  126 , and a “Sign Out” button  418 . 
     The map section  404  displays a geographical map. The map section  404  is able to display other views of the geographical area, such as a geographical map view, a street level view, or an Earth view. As a specific non-limiting example, the map section  404  can include a map provided by GOOGLE® Maps or GOOGLE® Earth. As a specific example, in the display screen  400 , the map section  404  shows a satellite view of a geographical area. 
     The survey tool  120  determines a reference point  426  for the map section  404 . In certain embodiments, the reference point  426  is automatically determined, that is, without user interaction, as a center point of the geographical area currently displayed in the map section  404 , or the reference point can be inputted by a user as a dropped-pin, street address, street intersection, or geographic coordinates (i.e., longitude and latitude coordinates). That is, the survey tool  120 , with the tablet  414 , or an SD processor within the table  414 , calculates a center point of the geographical display based on the dimensions of the display screen  400  and the portion of the display information displayed within the display screen  400 . When a scrolling operation is performed, the survey tool  120 , with the tablet  414 , or the SD processor within the tablet  414 , recalculates a new center point of the geographical display based on the dimensions of the display screen  400  and the portion of the display information displayed within the display screen  400 . In the specific display screen  400  shown, the survey tool  120  determines the reference point  426  according to a user-inputted street intersection. The survey tool  120  can generate a query request for the assets nearest the determined reference point  426 . The survey tool  120  can run the query request on the asset inventory survey database  122 , thereby generating query results that include asset records having a geographical information system (GIS) field value nearest the determined reference point  426 . For example, the query results can be limited to asset records having a GIS field value within the geographical area currently displayed. As another example, the query results can be limited to asset records having a GIS field value that meets specific criteria, such as a within a specific radius, or within a specific driving distance of the reference point  426 . The specific criteria can be user-selected or predetermined by default settings of the survey tool  120 . 
     The function menu section  406  includes a title  420  of the currently selected function within the survey tool  120 , which is “Search Address” in the display screen  400 . The function menu section  406  also includes one or more tabs, such as the “Search” tab  422  and “New Asset” tab  424 . As shown, the “Search” tab  422  is currently selected, which causes the survey tool  102  to display the GUI according to a “Search Address” function. The query results are displayed in the tabular query results section  408 , below the function menu section  406 . When the “New Asset” tab  424  is currently selected, the survey tool  120  generates another display screen  800  of a GUI according to a “New Asset” function, as described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
     In certain embodiments, the tabular query results section  408  include a table of query results of the assets nearest the determined center point of the geographical area currently displayed. For example, the table in the tabular query results section  408  can include a first row, such as a heading row for identifying the field of each column, and can include a subsequent row for each record in the query results. In the example shown, the columns include a “Distance” column, a “Nearest Assets” column, a “Wattage” column, and a “Status” column, each of which corresponds to a field in each asset record in the asset survey database  126 . 
     As shown in the example shown in  FIG. 4B , the tablet computer  414  displays a display screen  450  of a GUI according to, and in response to, an “Edit Asset” function within the survey tool  120 . The GUI according to an “Edit Asset” function includes a heading section  402 , which is hidden from view in the display screen  450  due to a scroll down operation. The GUI according to an “Edit Asset” function includes a title section  452  of the currently selected function within the survey tool  120 , namely, the title of “Edit Asset.” The GUI according to an “Edit Asset” function includes a map section  454 , which can be displayed vertically above the title  452 , shows a satellite view of a geographical area surrounding a reference point  426 . The GUI according to an “Edit Asset” function includes a location section  456 , and a save data section  458 . The save data section includes a cancel button  460  for deleting unsaved changes, a data saving status  462  indicating whether user-inputted content to a content control is saved in the asset inventory survey database  122  or unsaved (for example, “You have unsaved changes”), and a save changes button  464  for saving user-inputted content. Additional sections could be included (that is, displayed) in the display screen  450  according to the “Edit Asset” function. For example, the “Edit Asset” function of the survey tool  120  includes an installation function and the punch list function. The installation function enables the survey tool  120  to add new equipment fields linked to previously stored location fields of an asset record, which corresponds to the work of field personnel who installed a new light fixture on a pole at the location identified by the previously stored location fields of the asset record. A punch list function enables the survey tool  120  to add verification fields linked to an asset record, which corresponds to the work of field personnel who confirmed that the field values within an asset record matches the physical asset installed in the field. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an initial logged-in screen  500  according to this disclosure. In the example shown, the initial logged-in screen  500  includes the GUI according to a “Search Address” function. Note that sections  502 ,  504 ,  506 , and  508  in  FIG. 5  could be the same as or similar to corresponding sections  402 ,  404 ,  406 , and  408  in  FIG. 4A . These sections in  FIG. 5  can operate in the same or similar manner as the corresponding sections in  FIG. 4A  and can incorporate components  410 ,  412 ,  416 ,  418  from the corresponding sections in  FIG. 4A . 
     In the heading section  502 , the user name  416  could include an email address  516   a  and a user account privilege level  516   b  of the logged-in user authorized to access the asset survey database  126 . For example, the user account privilege level  516   b  could include “Admin” for an administrator of the web-based application of the survey tool  120 . The user account privilege levels  516   b  can include a different level for personnel who surveys infrastructure onsite in the field; or can include a third different level for personnel member of the asset owner who can review, search, and coordinate survey work of field users. Each authorized user record can include a user account privilege level field. 
     The map section  504  shows geographical map view of a geographical area and shows a set of geospatial pins. In the specific initial logged-in screen  500  shown, the survey tool  120  determines the reference point according to a center point of the geographical area currently displayed in the map section  504 , as indicated by the “Center Map” mode  526 . The set of geospatial pins correspond to an initial query result. In certain embodiments, the initial query result includes asset records that can be edited by the logged in user name  416 . When the logged in user name  416  belongs to an administrator of the web-based application of the survey tool  120 , the initial query result includes either asset records of a user-selected subset of asset owners, or alternatively, all of the asset records (of all asset owners) within the geographical area currently displayed in the map section  504 . 
     Below the map section  504 , the initial logged-in screen  500  includes a legend section  510 , which visually distinguishes each geospatial pin based on a completion progress of the an asset record to which the geospatial pin corresponds. The completion progress (shown as install state  618  in  FIG. 6 ) of an asset record can be either “Unstarted” (represented by a pin  528  in a first color, such as red), “Incomplete” (represented by a pin  530  in a second color, such as yellow), “Complete” (represented by a pin  532  in a third color, such as green), or “Pole Only/Non Existent” (represented by a pin  534  in a fourth color, such as grey). 
     The function menu section  506  includes a title  420  of the currently selected function within the survey tool  120 , which is “Search Address” in the initial logged-in screen  500 . The function menu section  506  also includes one or more tabs, such as the “Search” tab  422 , and “New Install” tab  524  and “New Survey” tab  536 . As shown, the “Search” tab  422  is currently selected, which causes the survey tool  102  to display the GUI according to a “Search Address” function. When the “New Install” tab  524  is currently selected, the survey tool  120  generates another display screen  600  of a GUI according to an installation function within the survey tool  120 , as described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 6 . When the “New Survey” tab  536  is currently selected, the survey tool  120  generates another display screen  800  of a GUI according to a punch list function within the survey tool  120 , as described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     The query results are displayed in the tabular query results section  508 , below the function menu section  506 . In the example, shown, the columns include a “Distance” column  538 , an “Assets” column  540 , a “Pole ID” column  542 , and a “Status” column  544 , each of which corresponds to a field in each asset record in the asset survey database  126 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a display screen  600  of a GUI according to an installation function of the survey tool  120  according to this disclosure. As described above, the installation function enables the survey tool  120  to add new equipment fields linked to previously stored location fields of an asset record, which corresponds to the work of field personnel who installed a new light fixture on a pole at the location identified by the previously stored location fields of the asset record. 
     Note that the display screen  600  includes the heading section  502  of the initial logged-in screen  500  in  FIG. 5 , and could include the title section  452  of the currently selected function within the survey tool of  FIG. 4B . Note that location section  656  and the legend section  610  in  FIG. 6  could be the same as or similar to corresponding location section  456  in  FIG. 4B  and the legend section  510  in  FIG. 5 . These sections in  FIG. 6  can operate in the same or similar manner as the corresponding sections in  FIGS. 4B and 5 . 
     The GUI according to the installation function includes a map section  654 , which can be displayed between the heading section  502  and legend section  510 . The GUI according to the installation function includes a work completed section  646 , a photos section  648 , a status section  660 , and a notes section  662 . Additional sections could be included (namely, displayed) in the display screen  600  according to the installation function. For example, a scroll operation may cause a save data section  458  to be displayed. When field personnel completes installation of an asset and inputs corresponding content to the fields displayed in the display screen  600 , the survey tool  120  records an updated time  612 , which can be the date and time at which the installation work is completed or at which the logged-in user saves the user-inputted data. 
     The location section  656  includes multiple content controls, including text boxes and drop-down lists for various location field values. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the location section  656  includes a text boxes for fields of each of: a street address  602 , latitude coordinate  604 , longitude coordinate  606 , a pole identification (ID) number  608 . Also, the location section  656  includes a drop-down list for an arm length  610  field value, which could contain a list of standardized lengths of pole arms, such as 12 feet. 
     In certain embodiments, the installation function enables the web-based application of the survey tool  120  to block a logged-in user from editing the location section  656  while allowing the logged-in user to view the location field values. The life cycle of a lighting fixture, light bulb, or other equipment mounted to a pole is generally shorter than the life cycle of the pole, accordingly, once the location field values have been verified for the pole, the asset owner can set the survey tool  120  to block further edits to the verified location field values. 
     The map section  654  shows a satellite view of a geographical area surrounding a complete pin  532 , which could represent a pole, which is the asset installed at the location identified by the location section  656 . The survey tool  120  can generate a circle of geospatial area surrounding the complete pin  532  as a reference point  613 , and the circle can have a fifth color (for example, blue) to visually distinguish the encircled area from the first through fourth colors of the various pins  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 . 
     The work completed section  646  includes multiple content controls for various work completed field values, including a text box for a new fixture identification  614  and multiple check-boxes for each work task that may be completed at the pole located at the location identified by the location section  656 . Examples of completed work tasks include: installed new wire; rotated arm; needed grounding; installed new arm; installed new fixture; immediate client review; and other work completed. In the particular example shown, user input indicates that the work completed includes needed grounding and installed new fixture having the new fixture identification  614  (e.g., “70T2”). 
     The photos section  648  displays a number thumbnails of photographs of the asset installed at the location identified by the location section  656 . The photo section  648  also includes an edit photo button  616   a - 616   c  for each thumbnail. In certain embodiments, upon detecting that one of the edit photo buttons  616   a - 616   c  has been touched, the survey tool  120  controls a camera built-in the UE  300  to capture a picture of the asset of interest, and automatically generates a relationship link from the new captured picture to the assets of interest. 
     The status section  660  includes multiple content controls for various status field values, including a drop-down list for install state  618  and project name  620 , and a time  622  text box for minutes elapsed in order to complete the work tasks indicated as completed in the work completed section  646 . The install state  618  can indicate whether the installation of assets at the location identified by the location section  656  is unstarted, incomplete, complete, or whether no assets and/or no pole are installed at the location identified by the location section  656 . The survey tool  120  uses the field value of the install state  618  to determine the color of the pin  532  shown in the map section  654 . 
     The notes section  662  includes a notes text box  624 , into which a user can input comments regarding the assets installed at the location identified by the location section  656 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a display screen  700  of a GUI according to the punch list function of the survey tool  120  according to this disclosure. As described above, the punch list function enables the survey tool  120  to add verification fields linked to an asset record, which corresponds to the work of field personnel who confirmed that the field values within an asset record matches the physical asset installed in the field. 
     Note that the display screen  700  includes the heading section  502  of the initial logged-in screen  500  in  FIG. 5 , includes the legend section  610  of  FIG. 6 , and could include the title section  452  of the currently selected function within the survey tool of  FIG. 4B . Note that location section  756 , a photos section  748 , and a status section  760  in  FIG. 7  could be the same as or similar to corresponding location section  456  in  FIG. 4B , and corresponding sections  648  and  660  of  FIG. 6 . These sections in  FIG. 7  can operate in the same or similar manner as the corresponding sections in  FIGS. 4B and 6 . 
     The GUI according to the punch list function includes a map section  754 , which can be displayed between the heading section  502  and legend section  510 . The GUI according to the punch list function includes a verify asset section  764 . Additional sections could be included (that is, displayed) in the display screen  700  according to the punch list function. For example, a scroll operation may cause a save data section  458  to be displayed. When field personnel completes verification of an asset and inputs corresponding content to the fields displayed in the display screen  700 , the survey tool  120  records an updated time  612 , which can be the date and time at which the verification work is completed or at which the logged-in user saves the user-inputted data for updating the asset inventory survey database  122 . 
     The map section  754  shows a geographical map view of a geographical area surrounding a complete pin  532  that represents a pole, which is the being asset verified as having been installed at the location identified by the location section  756 . In this example, the complete pin  532  is also the reference point of the map section  754 . The survey tool  120  can generate a circle of geospatial area surrounding the complete pin  532  as a reference point  712 , and the circle can have a fifth color (for example, blue) to visually distinguish the encircled area from the first through fourth colors that represent the install state  618 . 
     The location section  756  includes a use pin location button  702 . For example, an asset owner may possess a document that indicates that a pole is located at a first location, and desire a field technician verify the actual location of that pole. A field technician may carry the tablet computer  414  to the first location, looking for that pole, and can observe whether the pole is installed at the first location. More particularly, while the tablet computer  414  is located at the actual location of the pole, the survey tool  120  can use a GPS capability of the tablet computer  414  to determine the geographic coordinates of the current location of the tablet computer  414 , which would be the same as the actual location of the pole. If the actual location of the pole is different from the first location, the field technician, as a logged-in user, uses the location section  756  to update location fields of the asset record corresponding to that pole. The punch-list function enables the survey tool  120  to detect a touch on the use pin location button  702 , and in response, change the location field values to match the geographic coordinates of the current location of the tablet computer  414 . Also, the punch-list function enables the survey tool  120  to receive user input location field values into the location section  756  to update location fields of the asset record corresponding to that pole. 
     The verify asset section  764  displays a verification date completed field value  704 , which can be the same dated of the updated time  612 . The verify asset section  764  includes multiple content controls for various verify asset field values, including a text box for a fixture identification  714  (for example, “50T2”) and multiple check-boxes for each asset verification task that may be completed at the pole located at the location identified by the location section  756 . Examples of asset verification tasks include: correct fixture type; fixture appears level; bracket grounded; arms rotated if necessary; correct wattage; green case PC installed; correct GIS location; and pass night audit. 
     The photos section  748  displays a number thumbnails of photographs of the asset installed at the location identified by the location section  756 . In addition to the edit photo buttons  616   a - 616   c  for each thumbnail, the photo section  748  also includes a thumbnail  706  that is a photograph of the pole located at the location identified by the location section  756 . 
     The status section  760  includes multiple content controls for various asset verification status field values, including a drop-down list for verification state  718  and project name  620 . In certain embodiments, the status section  760  could additionally include and a time text box for minutes elapsed in order to complete the asset verify tasks indicated as completed in the verify asset section  764 . The verification state  718  can indicate whether the verification of assets at the location identified by the location section  756  is unstarted, incomplete, complete, or whether no assets and/or no pole are installed at the location identified by the location section  656 . In certain embodiments, the survey tool  120  uses the field value of the verification state  618  to determine the color of the pin  532  shown in the map section  754 . 
       FIGS. 8-15  illustrate examples of a display screen that is a partial portion of the entire GUI according to a “New Asset” function of the survey tool  120  according to this disclosure. A scrolling operation can cause the tablet computer  414  to display various portions the GUI according to a “New Asset” function. As a specific example, an entity, which does not have an inventory of the assets owned or does not have information about the location and/or condition of the assets that are in service in the field, can perform a survey process by using the “New Asset” function of the survey tool  120 . For example, the survey process can include recording a GIS location, location data, and equipment data; obstructions and review flagging; photographing assets; tracking the status of completion of the survey process; and noting comments. As described more particularly below, the “New Asset” function enables the survey tool  120  to generate a new asset record for each asset subjected to the survey process. The new asset record includes various fields, which receive field values through the various sections of the GUI according to a “New Asset” function. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a display screen  800  of a GUI according to the “New Asset” function of the survey tool  120  according to this disclosure. The GUI according to the “New Asset” function includes the heading section  502  of the initial logged-in screen  500  in  FIG. 5 , and includes the save data section  458  of  FIG. 4B . The GUI according to the “New Asset” function includes a map section  854 , a title section  852 , and location section  856 , which could operate in a same or similar manner as corresponding sections  754 ,  452 ,  756 , of  FIGS. 7 and 4B . 
     The map section  854  shows a satellite view of a geographical area surrounding a reference point  826 . In this example, an unstarted pin represents the reference point of the map section  854 , and represents the geographic location of an asset (e.g., pole and/or light fixture) for which a new asset record is being created. In the asset record, in order to add field values for the street address and/or geographic coordinates of the actual location of the asset of interest, the survey tool  120  could detect touch input to the tablet computer  414  placing the unstarted pin on the map, at location representing the actual location of the asset of interest. Alternatively, the survey tool  120  could detect a touch on the use pin location button  802 , and in response, add location field values to match the geographic coordinates of the current location of the tablet computer  414 . As another example, the survey tool  120  could detect user input of text into text boxes for fields of each of: a street address  602 , latitude coordinate  604 , longitude coordinate  606 , a pole identification (ID) number  608 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example location section  900  of a GUI generated by the survey tool according to this disclosure. Note that the location section  900  could be displayed in the GUIs according to a “Search Address” function, “New Asset” function, “Edit Asset” function (including the installation function and the punch list function) of  FIGS. 4A-4B, 5, 6, 7, and 8 . The location section  900  includes multiple content controls (for example, text boxes and drop-down lists) for various location field values: a street address  602 , latitude coordinate  604 , longitude coordinate  606 , a pole identification (ID) number  608  (e.g., CEGIS ID), street type  902  (such as, alley, or major road), block location  904 , (for example, other, or intersection), and arm orientation  906  (e.g., 90 degrees). Also note that the location section  900  could include the use pin location button  802  of the display screen  800  of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example equipment section  1000  of a GUI generated by the survey tool according to this disclosure. The equipment section  1000  enables the survey tool  120  to receive equipment field values that provide a detailed description of an asset installed at a particular location. Note that the equipment section  1000  could be displayed in the GUIs according to a “Search Address” function, “New Asset” function, “Edit Asset” function (including the installation function and the punch list function) of  FIGS. 4A-4B, 5, 6, 7 , and  8 . 
     The equipment section  1000  includes multiple content controls (for example, drop-down lists) for various equipment field values, including: a fixture type  1002  (for example, cobra), pole type  1004 , lamp type  1006  (such as, high pressure sodium (HSP) light bulb), lamp wattage  1008  (such as  100 , or  250 ), arm length  1010 , mounting height  1012 , arm attachment arm  1014 , number of lanes  1016 , and pole tilt  1018 . The equipment field value for fixture type  1002  could identify a manufacture name, model name, or light fixture design type. The equipment field value for pole type  1004  could identify material of the pole, such as wood, metal, concrete and the like. The equipment field value for arm length  1010 , which could be the same as or similar to the arm length  610  field value of  FIG. 6 . The equipment field value for mounting height  1012  could include a text box user input for the height at which the arm is mounted to the pole. The equipment field value for arm attachment  1014  could identify whether or not an arm is attached to the pole. The equipment field value for number of lanes  1016  could indicate the number of lanes for vehicles on the street of the street address  602 . The equipment field value for pole tilt  1018  could indicate an angle between the ground and the pole. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example of display screen  1100  of a section  1102  of obstructions flags and a section  1104  of review flags according to this disclosure. The obstructions and review flags sections  1102  and  1104  could be displayed in the GUIs according to a “Search Address” function, “New Asset” function, “Edit Asset” function (including the installation function and the punch list function) of  FIGS. 4A-4B, 5, 6, 7, and 8 . 
     The section  1102  of obstructions flags includes multiple content controls (for example, check boxes) for obstruction field values, including check boxes for tree trimming  1102  and for cable interference  1104 . A field technician may experience obstructions inhibiting access to a pole or light fixture infrastructure, and may touch one or more of the check boxes for tree trimming  1102  and for cable interference  1104 . The survey tool  120  can detect user input to the check boxes for tree trimming  1102  and for cable interference  1104 , and generate a corresponding GUI with checked or unchecked boxes. An asset owner may view the display screen  1100  to see whether the asset of interest has a need for tree trimming or clearing of cable interference. 
     The section  1104  of review flags includes multiple content controls for review flag field values, such as a check box for each of: group control review; ownership review; paint on lens; grounding review; pole condition review; municipality boundary review; pole is stenciled; and osmose pole review. The survey tool  120  can detect user input to one or more of the check boxes in the section  1104  of review flags, which allows an asset owner view feedback from a field technician regarding what specific follow-up review work is needed at a particular location for an asset of interest. In the specific example shown, boxes are checked for pole is stenciled  1106  and pole review  1108 . Correspondingly, the photo section  1200  shown in  FIG. 12  includes a thumbnail  1202  image of a stencil  1204  on a wood pole  1206  (as indicated by pole type  1004 ) and a close-up view of the condition of the wood pole  1206  from the pole review. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a photo section  1200  according to this disclosure. The photo section  1200  is similar to the corresponding photo section  748  in  FIG. 7 . In addition to the thumbnail  1202  described above, the photo section  1200  includes a thumbnail  1208  image of tree branches and foliage  1214  nearby the pole  1206  and cables  1210 , which are mounted to the pole  1206  nearby the mounting location of the light fixture  1212  such that the cables  1210  interfere with accessing the light fixture  1212 . The thumbnail  1208  could correspond to a case in which cable interference and tree trimming are flagged (such as by a checked box) in the section  1102  of obstructions flags. The photo section  1200  includes a thumbnail image  1216  of a one-lane alley, which could correspond to the street type  902  location field value of  FIG. 9  and the equipment field value for number of lanes  1016  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a status section  1300  of a GUI according to the “New Asset” function according to this disclosure. Note that the status section  1300  can be similar to the status sections  660  and  760  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The status section  1300  includes multiple content controls for various status field values, including a drop-down list for pole equipment  1302 , survey state  1318 , and project name  1320 . Note that the survey state  1318  can indicate whether the survey of assets at the location identified by the location section  900  is unstarted, incomplete, complete, or whether no assets and/or no pole are installed at the location identified by the location section  900 . For example, the status field value for pole equipment  1302  could include a value such as “streetlight and distribution wires,” or other value indicating a summary of equipment mounted to the pole of interest (such as the pole  1206  shown in the thumbnail  1216  of  FIG. 12 ). 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a display screen  1400  showing a notes section  1402  of the GUI according to the “New Asset” function of the survey tool  120  according to this disclosure. As an example, the display screen  1400  shows the GUI according to the “New Asset” function via a web browser. The notes section  1402  could be the same as or similar to the notes section  662  of  FIG. 6 , and could include the similar components, such as a notes text box  1424 , into which a user can input comments regarding the assets surveyed at the location identified by the location section  900 . The survey tool  120  records a creation time  1404 , which can be the date and time at which the survey work is completed or at which the logged-in user saves the user-inputted data or notes. The notes section  1402  includes a tag identification  1406 , which could be a tag identification of a pole review  1108 . The notes section  1402  includes a delete button  1408  for the text inputted to the notes text box  1424 . 
     Although  FIGS. 8-14  illustrate examples of display screens of various sections of the GUI according to a “New Asset” function of the survey tool  120 , various changes may be made to  FIGS. 8-14 . For example, the save data section  458  may be continuously displayed at the bottom of the display screen, while a scroll operation shows and hides other sections. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a display screen of a comma separated value (CSV) data export  1500  of multiple records from the asset inventory survey database  122  according to this disclosure. In the example shown the data export could be a CSV file, or other tabular-data-to plain-text conversion type file, which can be opened or viewed through a spreadsheet application or a database application. The survey tool  120  can filter the asset inventory survey database  122  such that the CSV data export  1500  includes asset records that meet specified criteria. 
     In the example shown, the specified criterion is a specified city name (e.g., “Oakbrook Terrace”). The survey process caused the survey tool  120  to create thousands of asset records. In the display screen of the CSV data export  1500 , each row represents a respective asset record, and each column represents fields within the asset records. For example, an asset record could include field values for: a location number (column A) such as in pole ID number  608 ; ownership information (column B); material (column C) such as pole type  1004 ; CEGIS latitude (column D) such as latitude coordinate  604 ; CEGIS longitude (column E) longitude coordinate  606 ; actual latitude coordinate (column F); actual longitude coordinate (column G); city name (column H) such as provided in street address  602 ; CEGIS latitude and longitude X (column I); CEGIS latitude &amp; longitude Y (column J); survey state (column K) as in survey state  1318 ; and creation date (column L) such as creation time  1404 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a display screen of a Keyhole Markup Language (KML) data export  1600  of multiple records from the asset inventory survey database  122  according to this disclosure. In the example shown the KML data export  1600  could be a KML file, which can be opened or viewed through an Earth browser application, such as GOOGLE® Earth, GOOGLE® Maps. In the example shown, geospatial pins (shown as thumbtacks) represent each asset record that meets specified criteria, such as city name of “Oakbrook Terrace.” In the example shown, the KML data export  1600  is opened in an Earth browser application, and the set of geospatial pins are shown on a satellite view map at locations specified by the location field values in the respective exported asset records. 
     As a specific example, when a user selects one of the geospatial pins  1602 , a corresponding popup or bubble  1604  may show the field names and field values from the asset record. For example, the bubble  1604  includes a location number, ownership information, material, CEGIS latitude, CEGIS longitude, actual latitude, actual longitude, city name, CEGIS latitude and longitude X, CEGIS latitude and longitude Y, survey state, creation date such as creation time  1404 , updated time  612 , street address, latitude, longitude, street type, block location, pole type, pole equipment  1302 , mounting height, lamp type, lamp wattage, fixture type  1002 , pole tilt, number of lanes, arm orientation, and arm length. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates various KML and CSV exports  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 ,  1708 ,  1710 ,  1712 , and  1714  by specific criteria according to this disclosure. Each of the KML and CSV exports  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 ,  1708 ,  1710 ,  1712 , and  1714  is generated by the survey tool  120  based on user inputted filtering criteria, and can be transmitted by the survey tool  120  to one or more client devices  106 - 114 . In certain embodiments, the survey tool  120  provide one or more of the KML and CSV exports  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 ,  1708 ,  1710 ,  1712 , and  1714  to a computer readable medium (for example, flash memory storage device, compact disc, or the like), enabling user devices (such as, client device  1226 - 1215 ) to view information exported from the asset inventory survey database  122  offline, namely, without being currently connected to the survey tool  120  via the network  102 . 
     As an example, the KML and CSV exports  1714  includes a CSV file  1716  and a KML file  1718 , each file including asset records that meet specified criteria. In the example shown, the specified criteria are a specified city name (for example, “Oakbrook Terrace”) and tree trimming obstruction flagged at  1102 . As another example, the KML and CSV exports  1702  include the CSV file  1720  according to the CSV data export  1500  and the KML file  1722  according to the KML data export  1600 , in which cases the specified criteria is a specified city name (for example, “Oakbrook Terrace”) and all assets surveyed. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a method  1800  for building an asset inventory survey database and generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a display screen of information in the asset inventory survey database according to this disclosure. The method  1800  is implemented by the survey tool  120 , such as at least one processor of the server  104  configured to perform the operations of the method  1800 . In the example shown, the server  104  communicates with a UE  300 , such as the tablet computer  414 . 
     In operation  1802 , the survey tool  120  imports preexisting data for creating one or more asset records. For example, the preexisting data could be imported from a document, file, or a preexisting database. The preexisting database could be provided by a particular asset owner. The survey tool  120  could receive a respective preexisting database from multiple asset owners. The survey tool  120  creates one or more asset records in the asset inventory survey database  122  using the imported data, and records a creation date in the created asset records. More particularly, selected field values of the imported dated are added to corresponding field values in the newly created asset record in the asset inventory survey database  122   
     In response to receiving user authentication information from the UE  300  in operation  1804 , the survey tool  120  determines which particular asset owner(s) is associated with the received user authentication information in operation  1806 . For example, the survey tool  120  determines that the received user authentication information matches the user authentication information in an authorized user record. 
     In operation  1808 , the survey tool  120  generates and provides an initial GUI including a geographical map and menu of functions of the survey tool to the UE  300  for displaying. For example, the survey tool  120  provides the initial logged-in screen  500  of  FIG. 5 . Note that generating the initial logged-in screen includes generating an initial query result by querying the asset inventory survey database  122  to select asset records that are allowed to be displayed to the logged-in user. That is, the GUI includes a display of asset inventory survey data linked to the determined asset owner(s) as determined in operation  1806 . 
     In operation  1810 , the survey tool  120  receives user input (through the initial GUI) indicating a selection of one of the functions of the survey tool  120 . For example, the received user input indicates a selection of one of: the “Search Address” function, “New Asset” function, “Edit Asset” function, the installation function, the punch list function, or data export function. 
     In operation  1812 , the survey tool  120  generates a GUI corresponding to the selected one of the functions of the survey tool  120 , and the GUI includes a display of asset inventory survey data linked to the determined asset owner(s) as determined in operation  1806 . For example, the survey tool  120  could generate a GUI that includes the map section  504  (including asset records selected in the initial query result) and an additional section, which displays a content control configured to add or update a corresponding field value in the asset inventory survey database  122  using content inputted to the content control. 
     In operation  1814 , the survey tool  120  receives user input through the GUI generated in operation  1812 . The user input can indicate a selection to add or edit an asset record. As a specific example, the when the punch list function is selected, the survey tool  120  can detect a user touch selecting the reference point  712  of  FIG. 7  from among the set of geospatial pins of the initial query result, and in response to the detection, query the asset inventory survey database  122  to select the asset record linked to the reference point  712  for editing. As another specific example, when the “New Asset” function is selected, the survey tool  120  can detect a user touch dropping a new geospatial pin at the reference point  826 , and in response to the detection, add a new asset record that includes location field values corresponding to the reference point  826  of  FIG. 8 . 
     In operation  1814 , the survey tool  120  can receive a series of user-inputted content to the various content controls of the GUI corresponding to the selected one of the functions of the survey tool, thereby adding or updating multiple field values in the selected asset record. In the example in which the punch list function is selected, the survey tool  120  can verify correctness of a certain field value corresponding to a characteristic of an asset owned by the determined asset owner(s) by receiving user input indicating that the certain field value is correct, such as a checking the correct asset fixture type checkbox in the verify asset section  764  of  FIG. 7 . The survey tool  120  can verify the correctness by alternatively receiving new content inputted to a content control linked to the certain field value, such as when the use pin location button  702  is touched. 
     In operation  1816 , the survey tool  120  stores the database changes. In certain embodiments, the survey tool  120  can automatically save database changes in response to receiving user-inputted content to any one of the various content controls. In certain embodiments, the survey tool  120  can save database changes in response to receiving an indicator that the UE  300  has detected a user touch to the save changes button  464 , as shown by operation  1818 . 
     In operation  1820 , the survey tool  120  receives user input to export data from the asset inventory survey database  122  to a CSV file, KML file, or both. In operation  1822 , the survey tool  120  receives user input user input that specifies criteria for selecting which asset records will be exported. In operation  1824 , survey tool  120  selects a set of asset records that store asset inventory survey data that meets specified criteria by querying the asset inventory survey database  122  using the specified criteria as a filter. 
     In operation  1826 , the survey tool  120  generates a CSV file including the selected set of asset records that store asset inventory survey data that meets specified criteria. The survey tool  120  can output or otherwise store the CSV file in a computer readable medium. Also, as shown in operation  1828 , the survey tool exports by transmitting the CSV file to the UE  300  via the network  102 . 
     Similarly, in operation  1830 , the survey tool  120  generates a KML file including the selected set of asset records that store asset inventory survey data that meets specified criteria. The survey tool  120  can output or otherwise store the KML file in a computer readable medium. Also, as shown in operation  1832 , the survey tool transmits the KML file to the UE  300 . 
     In block  1834 , the UE  300  is able to use the exported CSV file both while connected to the network  102  and while offline. Similarly, in block  1836 , the UE  300  is able to use the exported KML file both while connected to the network  102  and while offline. 
     Although various features have been shown in the figures and described above, various changes may be made to the figures. For example, the size, shape, arrangement, and layout of components shown in  FIGS. 1 through 17  are for illustration only. Each component could have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions, and multiple components could have any suitable arrangement and layout. Also, various components in  FIGS. 1 through 17  could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs. Further, each component in a device or system could be implemented using any suitable structure(s) for performing the described function(s). In addition,  FIG. 18  illustrates various series of steps, which could overlap, occur in parallel, occur multiple times, or occur in a different order. 
     Although embodiments of the present disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements disclosed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form. 
     None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke 35 USC §112(f) unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle.