Abstract: This is an invention in a method for locating the azimuthal direction of fractures induced into an underground formation adjacent to a well bore. Practicing the method of the invention involves measurement of stresses created at or near ground surface by such fracture propagation, utilizing pressure sensitive devices making up stress meters which reflect those stress changes on standard pressure gauges. Such stress meters are preferably each placed at an optimum distance from a well bore and spaced therearound, and, when a fracture is induced in the formation around the well bore, preferably by hydraulic means, said stress meters measure surface stress changes as horizontal pressure changes, which pressure change measurements can then be used to mathematically determine the direction of the fracture.