A seismic detection line includes one or more identified element(s) arranged in a string, and a telemetry link connecting the element(s) along the string to convey seismic data from at least one of the element(s) to a data recorder and identification data to a topology controller. Each of the element(s) includes a respective first identification unit connected to the telemetry link to provide a respective first identifier to the topology controller. A seismic detection system also includes a processor that queries the identified element(s) for their respective identifiers, determines an arrangement of the seismic detection line using the received identifiers, and presents an indication of the determined arrangement. A method of operating a seismic detection line includes transmitting a query along the telemetry link, detecting whether the respective identifier of one of the element(s) was received or not, repeating until termination, and determining and indicating the arrangement.