A system to measure properties in a geophysical formation accessible via a wellbore, the system comprising: one or more nanorobots configured to be disposed in the geophysical formation, each of the one or more nanorobots comprising: a body; and a sensor connected to the body and positioned to detect the presence of one or more hydrocarbons within the geophysical formation; characterized in that each of the one or more nanorobots comprises a radio frequency transmitter connected to the body, the radio frequency transmitter being configured to transmit data, from a location within the geophysical formation at which the nanorobot is disposed, to one or more fixed receivers located in the wellbore, the data transmitted comprising positional data and hydrocarbon characteristic data for the geophysical formation, the positional data indicating the location of the nanorobot within the geophysical formation and comprising interior surface location data, the interior surface location data defining a sensed three-dimensional location of a point on an interior surface within the geophysical formation; a power supply connected to the body, the power supply being configured to supply power to the radio frequency transmitter and the sensor; and a propulsion device associated with the body to propel the nanorobot through pathways within the geophysical formation. one or more nanorobots configured to be disposed in the geophysical formation, each of the one or more nanorobots comprising: a body; and a sensor connected to the body and positioned to detect the presence of one a body; and a sensor connected to the body and positioned to detect the presence of one or more hydrocarbons within the geophysical formation; characterized in that each of the one or more nanorobots comprises a radio frequency transmitter connected to the body, the radio frequency transmitter being configured to transmit data, from a location within the geophysical formation at which the nanorobot is disposed, to one or more fixed receivers located in the wellbore, the data transmitted comprising positional data and hydrocarbon characteristic data for the geophysical formation, the positional data indicating the location of the nanorobot within the geophysical formation and comprising interior surface location data, the interior surface location data defining a sensed three-dimensional location of a point on an interior surface within the geophysical formation; a power supply connected to the body, the power supply being configured to supply power to the radio frequency transmitter and the sensor; and a propulsion device associated with the body to propel the nanorobot through pathways within the geophysical formation. a radio frequency transmitter connected to the body, the radio frequency transmitter being configured to transmit data, from a location within the geophysical formation at which the nanorobot is disposed, to one or more fixed receivers located in the wellbore, the data transmitted comprising positional data and hydrocarbon characteristic data for the geophysical formation, the positional data indicating the location of the nanorobot within the geophysical formation and comprising interior surface location data, the interior surface location data defining a sensed three-dimensional location of a point on an interior surface within the geophysical formation; a power supply connected to the body, the power supply being configured to supply power to the radio frequency transmitter and the sensor; and a propulsion device associated with the body to propel the nanorobot through pathways within the geophysical formation.