Research subject. Deformations and stress state of rock masses at subsoil use objects.Materials and research methods. Extensive experimental data about the relative deformation of matter and, in particular, about the deformation of rock masses (earth’s crust) allowed the authors to find a solution to this problem using the very behavior of the rock mass during its response to technogenic activity.Results. Novel results were obtained on the relative deformation of matter under the conditions of changing external factors: 1) deformation of rock mass itself; 2) deformation of a surveying tape as a measuring instrument, 3) deformation of a quartz tube in a deformometer as a measuring instrument. Using the results of measurements over the 11-year nanocycle of solar activity available to us, regularities in the emergence of deformations and stresses of rock masses were revealed. A justification was obtained for changing the physical state of measuring instruments based on electromagnetic waves: satellite navigation systems, light and radio range finders. At the same time, it was found that all these parameters change in time continuously and endlessly, thereby requiring constant monitoring for making a reliable forecast of their impact on technogenic activity.Conclusion. The results presented in the article extend previous publications of the authors, the main conclusions of which are as follows. 1. The results about the deformations of rock masses, which are currently being obtained by methods based on various physical principles, are relative; therefore, these results do not allow one to judge about their absolute values. 2. The international community of scientists should develop a mechanism for tracking changes in the deformations and stress state of rock masses.