Abstract: A method for ascertaining an operating parameter for operating a surroundings detection system for a vehicle. The surroundings detection system includes a projection unit and an image recording unit. The method includes a step of providing a projection signal to an interface to the projection unit, the projection signal including a control parameter for projecting a light pattern into a surrounding area of the vehicle. In a step of reading in, image data are read in via an interface to the image recording unit, the image data including the light pattern projected into the surrounding area. The method furthermore includes a step of processing the image data, using a processing specification, to ascertain the operating parameter.