GEODNET

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are revolutionizing the management of both digital and physical infrastructure by enabling individuals to contribute and monetize various resources, such as wireless coverage, mapping data, GPS positioning, and IoT device data. This innovative approach leverages blockchain technology and cryptoeconomic incentives, allowing participants to earn rewards for their contributions. The article highlights four key projects within the DePIN space: Helium, Hivemapper, GEODNET, and AYDO, each focusing on different aspects of decentralized infrastructure, including wireless communication, mapping, positioning, and IoT data-sharing. While all these projects share the DePIN framework, their participation models and hardware requirements vary significantly. Helium allows users to deploy hotspots for decentralized wireless networks, while Hivemapper incentivizes the installation of dashcams for real-time mapping data. GEODNET enhances GPS accuracy through rooftop satellite miners, and AYDO stands out by enabling users to connect existing IoT devices to blockchain networks without the need for proprietary hardware. This flexibility positions AYDO as a unique player in the DePIN landscape, catering to a broader audience by supporting widely used IoT protocols. Despite the promise of DePINs, several challenges remain. Issues such as hardware accessibility, market demand for data, security, and regulatory uncertainty could hinder the widespread adoption of these models. The success of IoT-focused DePINs will depend on their ability to ensure interoperability, economic sustainability, and compliance with privacy regulations. As the DePIN ecosystem continues to evolve, it is evident that different models may cater to various sectors, offering a compelling alternative to traditional corporate-controlled infrastructure, while empowering individuals with greater control over their contributions and rewards.

In 2024, the Solana-based Global Earth Observation Decentralized Network, GEODNET, has experienced remarkable growth, with a staggering 219% increase in active RTK (Real-Time Kinetics) satellite miners. This surge has positioned GEODNET as the leading player in the satellite mining industry, surpassing established centralized competitors like Trimble. By the end of the year, GEODNET has amassed over 12,000 active RTK satellite miners, reflecting a growing demand for decentralized Earth observation and real-time satellite data, which is becoming increasingly critical in various sectors. A significant highlight for GEODNET in 2024 was the impressive rise in the value and market capitalization of its native token, GEOD. By year-end, the token reached a circulating market capitalization of $62 million, marking a 59% increase quarter-over-quarter and an astounding 524% year-over-year. Notably, a major token unlock on December 28, 2024, involving 32.46 million GEOD tokens, did not negatively impact the token's price; instead, it rallied post-unlock, showcasing the market's confidence in GEODNET's potential. This positive momentum positions GEOD as a serious contender in the decentralized geospatial data arena. GEODNET's strategic initiatives in 2024 included securing $2 million in funding from prominent investors like Animoca Brands and ParaFi, which will be used to diversify revenue streams and enhance technology adoption. The launch of the GEO-PULSE GPS receiver, priced at $149, further exemplifies GEODNET's commitment to delivering precise navigation solutions. Additionally, partnerships with industry leaders such as Septentrio and Bad Elf were announced at CES 2025, aimed at expanding the adoption of GEODNET's RTK network across various sectors, including autonomous vehicles and precision agriculture. With these advancements, GEODNET is poised for a bright future in the decentralized Earth observation landscape.

IoTeX and GEODNET's Collaboration for GEO-PULSE x ioID IoTeX and GEODNET have launched a groundbreaking collaboration for GEO-PULSE x ioID, marking a significant milestone in the blockchain industry. The integration of ioID and W3bstream into GEODNET's new GEO-PULSE device brings verifiability to DePIN devices and kickstarts IoTeX's DePIN x AI data pool using real-world data. This collaboration sets a new standard for DePIN verifiability, offering users the opportunity to earn rewards in $GEOD and $IOTX tokens by completing quests and verifying location data. The collaboration has activated the end-to-end tech stack that powers the GEO-PULSE device, which is now being shipped to early adopters. Users can register their devices, complete driving quests, and share location data to earn tokens. The GEO-PULSE device, known for its high-precision lane-level positioning, collects valuable real-world information verified through IoTeX's technology stack, including ioID and W3bstream.

GEODNET is revolutionizing global positioning services through its decentralized Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) network, which provides cost-effective and precise GPS and GNSS corrections. With centimeter-level accuracy, GEODNET caters to high-precision applications including autonomous vehicles, agricultural automation, and drone deliveries. Founded in 2021 by Mike Horton, who has over 25 years of experience in GNSS and RTK technology, GEODNET has rapidly expanded to over 10,000 RTK base stations globally, making it the largest RTK network in the world. This growth has resulted in an impressive $2 million in annualized revenue, reflecting a 455% increase from the previous year. Utilizing a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) model, GEODNET significantly reduces the capital and operational costs associated with building a global RTK network. By distributing costs among infrastructure owners, the company has managed to cut expenses by 90% compared to traditional models. This innovative approach has allowed GEODNET to deploy its base stations quickly and efficiently. The network's partnerships with organizations such as the US Department of Agriculture demonstrate its practical applications and scalability, particularly in supporting tractor auto-steering technology. GEODNET's ecosystem continues to grow through strategic collaborations with companies like Boson Motors, Wingbits, and Propeller, enhancing its RTK capabilities across various sectors. These partnerships not only extend GEODNET's reach but also improve the accuracy of applications ranging from precision agriculture to advanced flight tracking. As GEODNET aims to expand its node network to achieve full global coverage within the next few years, its focus on cost efficiency, scalability, and reliability positions it to meet the increasing demand for precise geolocation services in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

IoTeX and GEODNET have announced an innovative collaboration aimed at enhancing the verifiability of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) devices. This partnership focuses on the integration of GEODNET's new GEO-PULSE device with IoTeX's ioID for on-chain device identity and W3bstream for zero-knowledge proofs. The collaboration is designed to ensure that devices within a DePIN can be independently verified for authenticity and operational integrity, thereby fostering trust and increasing demand for DePIN networks. The GEO-PULSE device will be able to register on-chain, sign data for provenance, and demonstrate its real-world activity, making it a significant advancement in the field of verifiable devices. The GEO-PULSE device, touted as the world's most accurate car navigation tool, offers a remarkable improvement in lane-level positioning accuracy compared to traditional GPS systems. This device not only benefits consumers but also provides commercial operators and web3 enthusiasts with the opportunity to earn rewards through its integration with the GEODNET network. Users can earn $GEOD tokens by completing tasks on the network, and those who register their devices with an ioID will also qualify for a share of $100,000 worth of $IOTX tokens. This initiative aims to incentivize user participation and promote the adoption of verifiable technologies in the DePIN sector. The collaboration between IoTeX and GEODNET is set to revolutionize the DePIN landscape by establishing a seamless integration of their technologies. Users can easily create a decentralized identity for their GEO-PULSE device through the GEODNET mobile app, which will then interact with IoTeX's blockchain for verification. This process includes the generation of zero-knowledge proofs to validate the device's liveness, location, and movement. As the GEO-PULSE devices roll out in January, a comprehensive onboarding guide will be provided to assist users in maximizing their participation in this transformative initiative, ultimately contributing to a more verifiable and trustworthy DePIN ecosystem.

Arkreen, a Web3-powered infrastructure company focused on renewable energy and carbon reduction, has announced a strategic partnership with GEODNET, a leader in Earth observation and operator of the largest Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) network globally. This collaboration falls under the "Plug for Green Program" (PGP) and aims to enhance carbon neutrality within Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). Together, they are paving the way for a sustainable future by leveraging innovative technologies to address energy consumption and carbon emissions in the mining sector. The partnership introduces a novel approach to monitor energy consumption and offset carbon emissions through the integration of GEODNET's satellite miners and Arkreen's Smart Plugs. By utilizing Arkreen's tokenized Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), users can now directly offset their carbon emissions from brown energy consumption on-chain. This initiative not only promotes a greener mining process but also unlocks new opportunities for participants to engage in environmentally responsible practices while benefiting from dual-mining rewards. As a key player in global Earth observation, GEODNET enhances the capabilities of autonomous systems with its advanced RTK network, which offers significant improvements in positional accuracy. Through the Plug for Green Program, Arkreen equips GEODNET with real-time energy monitoring and innovative green incentives, encouraging the community to adopt carbon-neutral practices. This partnership exemplifies the potential of Green DePIN initiatives, empowering participants to contribute to global sustainability efforts while reaping the rewards of eco-friendly mining.