Fältlogg

Fältlogg is a record kept by researchers during fieldwork to document observations, measurements, and activities. It provides a continuous, contemporaneous account of what was done and observed, supporting analysis, interpretation, and accountability. It is typically used in natural and social sciences, archaeology, forestry, and related fields.

A typical fältlogg includes date and time, location and coordinates, weather conditions, equipment used, methods, and any protocols followed. It also records observations, measurements, samples collected, sketches or diagrams, and photographs or reference numbers for specimens. Entries may note who conducted each observation and any safety or ethical considerations.

Traditionally kept in a paper notebook, fältlogg increasingly exists in digital formats using laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Digital logs can automatically capture timestamps and geolocation, attach metadata, and facilitate backup and sharing, but require attention to data security and battery life. Many projects use templates or standardized fields to improve consistency and interoperability.

Fältlogg is common across disciplines, including biology and ecology (species sightings, transects), geology and geography (stratigraphy, mapping), archaeology (artifact context), meteorology (weather data), forestry (stand surveys), and anthropology or ethnography (field notes on conversations and practices).

In research practice, fältlogg forms part of data management and reporting. They support reproducibility, audit trails, and compliance with permits and safety policies. The term is closely related to the field notebook used in laboratories, and to broader practices of field data collection.