Nowcasting Using Satellite-Based Thermal Infrared Radiation
A novel method to directly measure firms’ operating activities through satellite data on thermal infrared radiation (TIR). It addresses the lack of real-time, granular insights into production processes, which are traditionally inferred from periodic financial reports. Leveraging high-resolution satellite imagery, the TIR measure captures heat emissions from industrial activities, reflecting the energy-intensive nature of manufacturing operations.
The lack of real-time, granular insights into firms’ production processes is traditionally inferred from periodic financial reports.
Utilization of publicly available satellite data from Landsat 8/9 for cost-effective, scalable analysis.
Development of advanced algorithms to isolate production-related TIR from environmental factors.
