A new technique provides conventional borehole-seismic measurements in real time while drilling a well. The system consists of a logging-while-drilling (LWD) tool with seismic sensors positioned near the drill bit, a seismic source at the surface, and a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) system for real-time telemetry. The seismic source is fired during pipe connections, seismic data are processed down-hole, and check-shot information is sent to the surface.