# Data Collection
Aterio captures development activity through a combination of public and observable sources:
* Press releases and company websites:
* Satellite imagery to verify real-world progress
* Utility and interconnection filings
* Permitting data from local and federal agencies
* Manual validation by analysts before anything is published
Only structured, non-sensitive information is included. No scraping, no AI-generated data, and no private sources.
### How We Monitor Development: Verifying Buildout Progress and Power Deployment
Aterio uses high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor the construction progress of hyperscale data centers across the U.S. Our team analyzes each image to identify structural milestones and infrastructure readiness, including generator installation and substation completion.
Based on public infrastructure filings, Microsoft commonly deploys Caterpillar C175-16 generators across its U.S. data centers. A clear example is the campus at 5707 Loving Trail in Cheyenne, WY, which follows the company’s standardized hyperscale layout. Key features include:
* 20 diesel backup generators, each rated at 3MW, positioned on dedicated concrete pads
* A fully built utility substation for grid interconnection and on-site power distribution
* A modular construction layout designed for phased expansion.
#### **Visual Progress Example**
Aterio tracks changes over time using historical satellite snapshots:
One facility has its shell completed and generator installation is halfway done; the rest of the site shows minimal pad preparation.
Image dated May 23, 2023 captured via Google Earth
Two additional structures are almost completed with 20 fully installed generators. A third structure is midway through steel framing, and a fourth has completed foundations.
These updates are not generated by AI, but manually verified by analysts following strict visual benchmarking. Example construction note:
{% hint style="success" %}
\[2025-05-14 JR] Construction: Steel framing is underway with partial roof installation on the western section of the structure.
{% endhint %}
This method ensures every record in our dataset is tagged with verified construction status and includes timestamps that can be used for forecasting capacity growth, estimating activation dates, and tracking operator expansion pace.
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