An example method for distributed sensing in a subterranean formation may include drilling to a first depth in the subterranean formation using a drilling device and detaching a first phase of the drilling device at the first depth. The first phase may include a first coil of line and a first sensor. The drilling assembly may drill to a second depth and decouple a second phase of the drilling device, with the second phase including a second coil of line and a second sensor. Measurements may be generated at the first and second depths using the first and second sensors, respectively.