The method involves producing a laying trench in the earth (E) for receiving a line (22) to be laid. The line is inserted into the trench by an insertion element (18) that is moved on a base (40) of the trench. Line positioning data are determined along the inserted line during insertion of the line in the trench by repeated measurement of a point that represents laying depth of the line. Lateral displacement of the point is allowed with respect to a lower side of the insertion element during determination of the data and is determined using target distance (A). An independent claim is also included for a system for monitored laying of lines in the earth.
