Method and device for anticipatory detection of a suitable gear

The method involves measuring distance between a motor vehicle (11) and a road surface (10), which is extended in a predetermined measuring angle before the vehicle in a travel direction, by a measuring device i.e. laser distance measuring device, where the predetermined measuring angle is a fixed angle relative to the vehicle. A slope value is determined from the measured distance for determining a drive position of an automatic transmission of the vehicle. The drive position suitable for a slope or a gradient is activated before the vehicle reaches the slope or the gradient. An independent claim is also included for a device for foresighted determination of a suitable drive position of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle.