The invention is a system and method for measuring 3D distances and dimensions of objects in endoscopic images by using a light plane to make Euclidean and geodesic measurements. The endoscopic measurement system of the invention comprises a flexible or rigid endoscopic device equipped with standard visualization means and a module containing components for generating a light plane. Based on triangulation, the intersection curve between the light lane and the object of interest is measurable in 3D in the coordinate system of the visualization means.