Seismic detection line having identified element and method

A seismic detection system, comprising:

• a seismic detection line including:
• one or more identified element(s) arranged in a string along the seismic detection line, and
• a telemetry link connecting the identified element(s) along the string and configured to convey seismic data from at least one of the identified element(s) to a data recorder and identification data to a topology controller,
• wherein each of the identified element(s) includes a respective first identification unit operatively connected to the telemetry link to provide a respective first identifier to the topology controller;
• and
• a processor operatively coupled to the telemetry link and configured to successively query the identified elements for their respective identifiers, determine an arrangement of the seismic detection line using the received identifiers, and present an indication of the determined arrangement.

A method of operating a seismic detection line, the method comprising:

• transmitting a query along a telemetry link of the seismic detection line, wherein the telemetry link connects a plurality of identified elements of the seismic detection line in a string and each of the identified elements includes an identification unit configured to transmit a respective identifier;
• detecting whether the respective identifier of one of the element(s) was received or not;
• repeating the transmitting and detecting steps until a selected termination criterion is satisfied;
• using a processor to automatically determine an arrangement of the identified elements of the seismic detection line;
• and
• using the processor to automatically present an indication of the determined arrangement.