Abstract: The optical measuring instrument emits a coherent beam of radiation normally to a surface of an object. The scattered radiation generated by the beam of radiation is guided through an optical device to a stationary strip-shaped linear radiation sensor element. The linear radiation sensor element is arranged within a hollow cylinder which is rotatable in an operative position thereof. The hollow cylinder contains a multiple number of slots which traverse the strip-shaped linear radiation sensor element at an acute angle. An evaluation circuit arrangement is connected to the linear radiation sensor element and only generates evaluatable measuring signals during the traversal of one of the slots over a location at the linear radiation sensor element where there occurs a radiation intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold value. Using such measuring instrument it is possible to measure distances with high resolution.