A computer vision system, consisting of a digital panoramic camera and software that processes its images improves present practice for determining structural rock mass parameters. High resolution images of exposed rock faces are taken and then analyzed using specially tailored software components. The software allows an interactive analysis and yields geometric rock mass parameters, such as distances, areas, or discontinuity orientations. The measurements are taken indirectly on the computer, i.e. without the need for physical contact which makes the field work safer, especially in areas that are difficult or even hazardous to reach. Zooming allows to quickly change the point of view which supports to identify those measuring points that are geotechnically significant. Beyond, roughness parameters of discontinuities or surfaces can be computed from the images. Using the innovative system, rock faces from 6 to 60 m heights were recorded so far, whereas the system is flexible enough to extend this range. The system was tested on quarries and tunnel construction sites in Austria.