Surface texturing is a new technology aiming at reducing friction in operating machinery. Different surface features of varying shape and density are artificially introduced onto the existing surfaces. The methods currently available for the 3-D characterization and description of these surfaces are inadequate. Reliable surface description is necessary for the optimization of those surfaces and quality control during production. In this paper possible ways of solving the problems associated with 3-D description and optimization of textured surfaces are outlined and discussed. The problems associated with the development of automated classification systems for textured surfaces are also presented.