As the first layer in the stratified model of natural resources, the surface substrate layer serves as the fundamental material supporting and nurturing the surface cover layer. Shallow drilling technology can rapidly penetrate different types of substrate layers and accurately collect representative substrate samples. Therefore, in this study, the GJ240-2S drilling rig was used to conduct a 0-20m depth substrate layer exposure in Yutai County, Shandong Province. Taking the JNZK04 borehole as the research object, the technical methods and application value of shallow drilling technology in surface substrate investigation were systematically explored. Accurately grasping the background status of this area through shallow drilling is a realistic and urgent task. Based on the current status of the surface substrate layer, boreholes were set up in the study area, and the vertical substrate types and structural characteristics within 20m of the surface substrate were revealed through shallow drilling construction. By combining core logging, sample collection and analysis, and geophysical methods, researchers can obtain key information such as the distribution, thickness, and geochemical characteristics of the substrate layer, providing strong data support for surface substrate investigation. This paper summarizes the characteristics of shallow drilling technology, and through the combination of geological background, construction techniques, and data results, presents application examples of shallow drilling technology in surface substrate investigation, verifying its applicability in surface substrate investigation and summarizing its advantages. Shallow drilling technology can provide strong technical support for surface substrate investigation.