Abstract: A method of inspecting a surface of a member such as a motor vehicle body panel includes the steps of setting up the member at an inspection site, directing light on to the surface at a high angle of incidence so as to form a transverse trace across the surface and to reflect light from the surface with a low angle of deflection to form an image of the trace on a detection screen. A record of the image is produced. The trace is also viewed and recorded directly from a position substantially perpendicular to the surface. The records of the image and of the trace are analysed together to give an indication of the nature of the surface at the trace. The light is scanned in relation to the member to form further transverse traces across the member and the new traces and images are also analysed.