<p>The northern part of Guizhou Province is rich in coal resources, but mining safety is threatened by water - bearing strata. This study zeroes in on Longfeng Coal Mine in Guizhou Province and delves into the issue of water damage in coal mines under complex geological conditions. By applying a range of methods—empirical formulas for water - conducting fracture zones from massive data fitting, overburden theory, numerical simulation, DC electrical method exploration, and borehole camera detection—the study reveals that as the working face advances, the overburden fracture zone expands sideways and compacted in the middle. The fractal dimension of the water - conducting fracture zone fluctuates remarkably, showing a clear link to water inrush. Based on fracture development patterns, an integrated surface and underground exploration drilling scheme was designed and carried out. The scheme successfully determined that the water - conducting fracture zone’s development height was between 44 and 59&#xa0;m, with a fracture - to - mining ratio of 15.39–20.63. The detachment water accumulation space lies in the hard - soft interlayer formed by the Longtan group limestone and the underlying silty mudstone. In engineering practice, the rock - layer detection borehole camera was upgraded. Its image - presentation effect was optimized, and the detection depth of the borehole was increased. Additionally, a multi - angle detection borehole camera with waterproof, mud - proof, and cold - resistant capabilities was designed, and technical improvement measures were proposed to adapt to more complex underground conditions and ensure more accurate rock - layer information acquisition. These innovations provide significant guidance and reference for preventing water inrushes in mines and protecting groundwater resources under similar geological conditions.</p>