Nowadays we use ICT to help us with data collection,data storage etc.. and it has become much more practical.The different tools that are used are both easily available and affordable. Other devices are more expensive, but they can take many more types of reading, and are often wireless. Digital recording can help to collect weather data without the meteorologist This means that they can make the life of the meteorologist much easier.

Advantages of using ICT to measure/record data:

• Computers take much more accurate readings than humans can
• Readings are automated
  
• Computers can take data readings more frequently e.g. continuously for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  
• The data can be saved to a hard drive and analysed more quickly and easily (graphs drawn instantly, etc.)
• Data logging systems can operate in difficult or dangerous environments (e.g- on top of a mountain or volcano)
• People are free to do other more useful tasks (rather than watching a thermometer)

Things that weather stations can measure using ICT:

Sensors have an important role in the data logging process. All physical properties can be measured with sensors such as light, heat, sound, air pressure, acidity (pH), humidity and rainfall (moisture), wind.

Where is Computer Measurement Used?

Scientific experiments : Many experiments can be set up and left to run with a data-logging system measuring things like the temperature.

Weather stations : It is placed in very remote areas to collect data about rainfall,temperature, wind speed , wind direction etc. Everyday data need to be gathered. These data can be used by weather forecaster to help to predict the weather over the coming days.

Environmental monitoring :  Many scientist are very concerned about the effect that humans are having on the environment.  Computer-based data-logging is used to help gather evidence of these effects : level of water in dam, the speeds of water flowing down a river, the amount of pollution in the air etc...

Some weather devices are also portable:

Remote Readings :  It is solar powered and sends its data by radio signal. The  white section contains the thermometers. The little black domes, one of which can be seen on the right, collect data about sunlight. The unit comes with its own software which can save, share and graph the data.           

Portable Sensing :      This is an example of the type of portable sensing devices that can be used to take weather readings. This one is used by people for a variety of sports including sailing. It can take many readings including air pressure and wind speed.