Alternative Data Companies Revolutionize Investing with New Sources of Economic Activity

New companies are collecting various economic activity data and selling it to investors. Alternative data companies are using spy satellites, road cameras, and phone trackers to gather information on businesses and consumers. This data is used by investors to make informed decisions.

Investors are increasingly turning to alternative data sources to gain a competitive edge in financial decision-making. Two significant developments in this space are the use of high-resolution satellite imagery and the adoption of blockchain technology for economic data transparency.

Satellite Imagery

Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) recently expanded its fleet of high-resolution satellites with the successful launch of Pelican-3 and Pelican-4. These satellites, equipped with AI platforms from NVIDIA, provide up to 40 cm class resolution imagery across six multispectral bands [1]. This data is valuable for monitoring various economic activities, such as agricultural production, urban development, and infrastructure changes.

Blockchain for Economic Data

The U.S. Commerce Department plans to publish GDP data on a blockchain to enhance transparency and modernize data sharing. Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the initiative aims to leverage blockchain's tamper-proof features for secure, immutable records. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate blockchain technology across federal departments [2].

The adoption of blockchain in government applications is not new. Estonia, for instance, has used blockchain to secure patient records and digital ID systems since 2016. The European Union also launched the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) in 2018 to support cross-border public services [2].

Impact on Investors

These developments could significantly influence investors. The high-resolution satellite imagery from Planet Labs can provide real-time insights into economic activities, enabling investors to make more informed decisions. Additionally, the use of blockchain for economic data could restore public trust in official statistics, potentially influencing investor sentiment during key economic data releases [2].

References

[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/planet-launches-two-additional-high-resolution-pelican-satellites-2025-08-26
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/blockchain-anchor-economic-data-quest-trust-2508/