FIELD: devices and methods for measuring characteristics of geological layer. SUBSTANCE: method includes steps of boring of well in a layer by means of boring column equipped with boring cutter, detecting pause in a process of well boring, when a portion of boring column is immobile relative to layer for some time, determining condition, which takes place in the well at given time, selection, on basis of presence or absence of said condition, of at least one additional operation from group consisting of setting current mode of boring process and determining type of pause on basis of latest condition taking place in the well at given time, and data about previously determined boring modes and using a measuring device for determining layer characteristics during a pause. Device for realization of said method has means for rotating boring tool, means for rotating boring column, means for determining pause, during which portion of boring column remains immobile relative to the layer, means for determining a condition taking place in the well at given time, means for selection of at least one additional operation and a measuring device for determining layer characteristics during a pause. EFFECT: optimized measurements of layer characteristics. 3 cl, 2 dwg, 5 tbl
