Logbog

Logbog is a record book used to document events, measurements, and observations over time. In Danish and Norwegian contexts, logbog (often translated as logbook in English) refers to a formal or informal chronicle kept during a journey, an operation, or a project. Entries can be kept on paper or as a digital record.

Historically, the logbook originated in maritime practice, where ships logged daily progress, position, speed, weather, and notable events. The concept expanded to aviation, science, industry, and research, where a chronological record supports situational awareness, accountability, and compliance. A logbog may function as a legal record in regulated activities and as an operational tool for performance monitoring and post-event analysis.

Typical content includes date and time, location (position or course), speed or progress, weather conditions, equipment status, actions taken, and any incidents or anomalies. Formats vary by domain: ship's log, flight log, laboratory notebook, project log, or electronic log systems integrated with sensors and reporting tools.

In modern practice, digital logbooks offer searchability, indexing, secure backups, and interoperability with other data systems, while traditional paper logbooks remain in use in some contexts for simplicity or regulatory reasons. The term logbog thus encompasses a broad class of sequential records used to document ongoing activities and observations across many fields.

See also: logbook, journal, diary, ship's log, flight log, laboratory notebook, electronic lab notebook.