Remote data capture is the process of automatic collection of scientific data. It is widely used in clinic trials, where it is referred to as electronic data capture

Electronic Data Capture

An Electronic Data Capture system is a computerized system designedfor the collection of clinical data in electronic format for use mainly in human clinical trials.Typically, EDC systems provide:* a graphical user interface component for data entry...

. In physical sciences, automatic observation hardware in the field can be linked to an observer in a laboratory through a cellphone or other communication link., for example in hydrology.