improved techniques are provided for drilling a deviated borehole through earth formations utilizing a rotary bit powered by a drill motor , and for obtaining information regarding the borehole or earth formations . a sensor permanently positioned in the drilling string between the drill bit and the drill motor detects a downhole parameter . an mwd tool may be provided within a non - magnetic portion of the drill string for receiving and transmitting a sensor representative signal to the surface . the sensor signal allows the drilling operation to be altered , and highly reliable and near - bit information thus improves the drilling operation .