Reflection of Data Logging

Nowadays, in the passion of technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications keep increasing day by day. In my opinion, the use of technology in the early stages apparently influencing the sharing of information. However nowadays, the scope of the technology is very broad. It is very important for various aspects such as management, business, communication, project implementation and many more.

Now the technology in our world has a new invention that is called as data logger. According to definition by Wikipedia, a data logger is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are based on a digital processor. They generally are small, battery powered, portable, and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, and sensors. Some data loggers interface with a personal computer and utilize software to activate the data logger and view and analyze the collected data, while others have a local interface device (keypad, LCD) and can be used as a stand-alone device. Apart from that, data logging can be used in remote or dangerous situation. Time intervals can be collected frequently like hundreds of measurements per second, and of course that is impossible for human natural ability. Besides, data logging need no have a person to present and wait all the time at the experimental site.

In our opinion, data logging is a technology which facilitates collection and analysis of data in the area of science. For example, we have noted body temperature (hand) in different temperature and humidity of the air in different condition and yet we still can observe the relationship between these two different variables in a same time, and on the same graph. So how it facilitate analysis of information? One of the primary benefits of using data loggers is the ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis. Upon activation, data loggers are typically deployed and left unattended to measure and record information for the duration of the monitoring period. This allows for a comprehensive, accurate picture of the environmental conditions being monitored, such as air temperature and relative humidity.

However, data logger has its own disadvantages. Data logger is expensive, and it’s a hard thing for us, as a student to buy this technology for our science analysis of data. Besides that, if the data logging equipment breaks down, some data could be lost or not recorded. Plus, the equipment will only take readings at the logging interval which has been set up. If something unexpected happens between recordings, the data will no be collected.