Data loggers

Typical GPS loggerA GPS logger simply logs the position of the device at regular intervals in its internal memory. Modern GPS loggers have either a memory card slot, or internal flash memory and a USB port. Some act as a USB flash drive. This allows downloading of the track log data for further analyzing in a computer. The tracklist or point of interest list may be in GPX or other format.

Such a device is suited for use by sport enthusiasts: They carry it while practicing an outdoors sport, e.g. jogging or backpacking.[1] When they return home, they download the data to a computer, to calculate the length and duration of the trip, or to over impose their paths over a map with the aid of GIS software. GPS devices are also integral tools in geocaching. The logger need not be a separate device; many GPS receivers made for navigation also have a waypoint recording feature.[2]

In the sport of gliding, competitors are sent to fly over closed circuit tasks of hundreds of kilometers. GPS loggers are used to prove that the competitors completed the task and stayed away from controlled airspace. The data stored over many hours in the loggers is downloaded after the flight is completed and is analysed by computing the start and finish times so determining the fastest competitors.

Most digital cameras save the time a photo was taken. Provided the camera clock was reasonably accurate, this time can be correlated with GPS log data, to provide an accurate location. This can be added to the Exif metadata in the picture file, thus geotagging it.

In some Private Investigation cases, these data loggers are used to keep track of the vehicle or the fleet vehicle. The reason for using this device is so that a PI will not have to follow the target so closely and always has a backup source of data.