Based on analyzing the excitation distribution characteristics of the bipolar source in a homogeneous half-space electromagnetic field and discussing the correlation between the transmit-receive distance and the maximum depth of prospecting, the authors hold that CSAMT characterized by small transmit-receive distance, long bipolar source and short potential electrodes can be applied to geological exploration in the shallow layer of a strong noisy-level environment, and has such merits as high signal-to-noise and uniform distribution of electromagnetic field along the line direction. This paper briefly describes fieldwork and data-processing methods of CSAMT, and illustrates typical experimental curves under man-made interferences, controlled tests on the dipole-dipole resistivity sounding and applied cases in shallow geophysical exploration. The inversion results are similar in controlled tests, but CSAMT has higher resolution and stronger anti-interference capability. Interpretations of applied cases match the drilling verification, indicating that CSAMT with small and medium-sized transmit-receive distance array has practical value and application prospect in the shallow geophysical exploration.