The data could 'prove (to be) useful' [=people may eventually find that the data is helpful] in identifying future problems.
the 'useful life' of a satellite [=the amount of time during which a satellite is in good enough condition to be used]
Her pocketknife 'came in useful' [=(more commonly) 'came in handy'] when we needed to cut the tangled fishing line.
(..) It's coming. That roadblock was run by Ansar al-Sharia. It's not just tribal groups and freedom fighters anymore. If you have useful intel, Tyrone, put it in a memo. You guys bunk here, but you're not CIA. You're hired help. Act the part. (..)2016 13 Hours