Data logging is the recording of information over a period of time. It can be carried out manually by making observations and then writing them down or electronically with a data logger. The former method requires the user to be there, observing the results and recording them. This can limit the data that can be collected and may prove to be inconvenient or even impossible.

An electronic data logger is a box of electronics that can be connected to the computer and into which sensors and other accessories can be plugged. It can record data far more quickly and for a longer period of time than by hand. LogIT Explorer can be left to run whilst collecting data, freeing the user to concentrate on other things. Once the data has been collected the user can automatically generate graphs allowing them to concentrate on other aspects of the experiment they are conducting.

LogIT Explorer is also able to collect data independently of the computer, then later the data can be read by the computer for analysis. This is also known as remote data logging which is explored later in this guide.