Abstract: The invention concerns a method of measuring the course of a reflective surface of an object including the steps of projecting a defined pattern of at least two different light intensities onto the surface to be measured; observing at least one section of the surface by at least one camera; and evaluating the observed section on the basis of the camera data. The invention provides a simply designed and accurately controllable method in that the pattern produces a mirror image in the reflective surface, and in that the observed section includes a section of the mirror image of the pattern. The invention further concerns an instrument for determining the course of the reflective surface of an object, the instrument including a device for generating a light pattern and having at least one camera for observing at least one section of the surface. The invention provides a simply designed and accurately controllable instrument in that the camera is adjusted precisely to a mirror image of the light pattern.