data logging

In computing, the process, usually automatic, of capturing and recording a sequence of values for later processing and analysis by computer. For example, the level in a water-storage tank might be automatically logged every hour over a seven-day period, so that a computer can produce an analysis of water use. The monitoring is carried out through sensors or similar instruments, connected to the computer via an interface.

The computer logging the data samples the readings at regular time intervals. The raw data are analysed either continuously (displayed on a changing screen display or as a graph on a plotter) or at the end of the logging period.