There are two primary data collection and analysis applications published by Vernier: Logger Pro and Graphical Analysis Pro. Logger Pro is a very mature and powerful program that was first published in 1997. It runs on macOS and Windows only. Graphical Analysis Pro is a newer data collection and analysis application that runs on macOS and Windows, and in addition runs on iOS/iPadOS, Android, and ChromeOS.

Logger Pro is available with a perpetual site license. Graphical Analysis Pro can be purchased as a 1-year or 3-year license. There is a free version of Graphical Analysis that has fewer features.

Users of iOS/iPadOS, Android, and ChromeOS must use Graphical Analysis Pro or Graphical Analysis for general data collection; Logger Pro is not an option.

What is the difference in student experience in using Logger Pro and Graphical Analysis Pro? Here are some things to consider.

Computers Running macOS or Windows

Vernier has been developing software for Mac and Windows for decades, and Logger Pro, our data-collection software for Mac and Windows, is very powerful. We offer written curricula for collecting data using Logger Pro.

The following hardware only works with Logger Pro on a computer:

• LabPro interface
• Ohaus balances
• Watts Up Pro
• Wireless Dynamics Sensor System
• Respiration Monitor Belt
• Polarimeter (Chemical)
• Digital Control Unit
• Original Vernier Structures and Material Tester – linear displacement sensor (Force sensor is supported)

Some sensors made before ~2003 do not automatically identify themselves (Auto-ID) when connected to an interface and require Logger Pro

• Older sensors that do not automatically ID when connected to the software (e.g., DIN-style sensors and sensors that require an adapter to connect to an interface)
• The following links provide some assistance in determining the age of your sensors by appearance:
  • Why doesn't my Vernier Photogate (VPG-BTD) auto-ID?
  • Which version Dual-Range Force Sensor do I have?
  • Which Motion Detector model do I have?
  • Which Oxygen Gas Sensor (O2-BTA) do I have?
  • Which CO2 Gas sensor (CO2-BTA) do I have?
  • What model Colorimeter do I have?
  • How old is my pH Sensor?

Certain advanced Data Collection and Analysis Features require the use of Logger Pro on a computer:

• Gel Analysis
• Mapping data (export to Google Maps or ArcGIS)
• Complete experiment files (also known as template files) for the experiments in our lab books
• Obtain the highest performance from interfaces
• Work with very large data sets

Some books are written using Logger Pro software but do not yet have experiments written for Graphical Analysis (Chromebooks).

For most of our lab books, an updated edition that includes instructions for the new software is available as a free upgrade. However, the following books are currently Logger Pro only:

• Water Quality with Vernier (WQV-E)
• Investigating Environmental Science through Inquiry (ESI-E)
• Agricultural Science with Vernier (AWV-E)
• Advanced Biology with Vernier (BIO-A-E)
• Forensics with Vernier (FWV-E)
• Human Physiology with Vernier (HP-A-E)
• Physics with Video Analysis (PVA-E)
• Nuclear Radiation with Vernier
• Real-World Math with Vernier (RWV-E)

Chromebooks, iOS, and Android

Chromebooks are inexpensive and very easy for IT to support. Tablets offer great portability and ease of use. As a result these platforms are increasingly common.

• Our general software for data collection mobile platforms is the Graphical Analysis app.
• Support for Go Direct SpectroVis Plus and SpectroVis Plus spectrometers is available when using our free Spectral Analysis app.
• Support for Vernier mini gas chromatographs is available when using our free Instrumental Analysis app.
• Support for video analysis is available when using our Vernier Video Analysis app.

Conclusion

If full-featured data collection and analysis from a wide spectrum of devices is your goal, traditional computers are the most versatile choice for now. You can use either Logger Pro or Graphical Analysis Pro, or even both (just not at the same time).

If basic data collection with the most common sensors is what you need, the Chromebook and mobile platforms are good and inexpensive options.

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