The invention relates to a method for detecting the contour of an obstacle in the surroundings of a moving vehicle by means of a sensor device that is preferably integrated in the lateral area of the vehicle. In previously known methods of this type, the sensor device usually emits a sensor signal to the obstacle already when said obstacle lies ahead in the direction of travel while also emitting a sensor signal once the vehicle has passed the obstacle. In order to improve evaluation of the sensor signals with regard to the reflection thereof on the obstacle, the reflection signals thus generated are first mathematically averaged so as to be able to then derive in a more precise manner the actual position and the actual shape of the contour of the obstacle from the obtained averaged reflection signal.