Abstract: A profilometer having a beam placement system which includes a beam pivotally connected to a front and a rear foot member. The foot members are spaced along the length of the beam and are arranged to be positioned on a section of pavement. The beam placement system also includes a system for repositioning the front and rear foot members so that, upon forward movement of the profilometer along the pavement whose profile is to be measured, the rear foot member is positioned on the section of pavement previously occupied by the front foot member. The beam placement system additionally includes an apparatus for measuring the slope of the beam between the front and rear foot members.