Data logging refers to collecting data over time using sensors. Sensors measure a property and send an analog signal to be converted into digital data by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for computer processing. Data logging systems are used for scientific experiments, weather stations, and environmental monitoring to gather data regularly about factors like temperature, rainfall, pollution levels, and more. The sensors take measurements that are converted and sent to a data logger for storage and later transmission to a computer for analysis and presentation.

1. Data Logging and Collection3.5 Science and the Environment

2. SensorsThe term 'data logging' refers to collecting or gathering data over a period of time. This is generally done using sensors. A sensor measures a specific property data and sends a signal to the computer. Usually this is an analogue signal so it needs to be converted into digital data for the computer to process. This is done using by an Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

3. Temperature Sensors

4. Light Sensor

5. Pressure Sensor

6. Moisture sensor

7. Water level Sensor

8. Movement Sensor

9. Proximity Sensor

10. ADCA sensor measures a specific property data and sends a signal to the computer. Usually this is an analogue signal so it needs to be converted into digital data for the computer to process. This is done using by an Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

11. Where is computer measurement used?Anywhere that data needs to be gathered regularly, a computerised data-logging system can be used.

12. Scientific ExperimentsMany experiments can be set-up and left to run with a data-logging system measuring things like the temperature of a liquid, etc.

13. Weather StationsOften these are placed in very remote areas to collect data about rainfall, temperature, wind-speed, wind-direction, etc. Data needs to be gathered all day, every day. This data can then be used by weather forecasters to help predict the weather over the coming days.

14. Environmental MonitoringScientists are very concerned about the effect that humans are having on the environment. Computer-based data-logging is often used to help gather evidence of these effects: the level of water in a dam, the speedof water flowing down a river, the amount of pollution in the air, etc.

15. Process – eg. Water CompaniesThe sensors take measurements of the water

16. An ADC converts the analogue signals into digital data

17. The data is sent to the data logger where it is stored until called for by the Water Board's computer.