Abstract: A surface sensor utilizing a light source for projecting light onto a travelling surface and thereby illuminate a limited area of said surface is combined with at least two angularly spaced sensors and arranged to detect light reflected. Signals are generated in accordance with the amount of light received and these signals are processed to obtain at least one of (a) an indication of topographical surface characteristics of the web surface while suppressing the effects of changes in reflectivity of the surface and (b) indication of the change in reflectivity while suppressing the effects of topography of the surface.