This paper presents an on-machine measurement method of flatness error fur surface machining processes. There are two kinds of on-machine measurement methods available to measure flatness errors in workpieces: i.e., surface scanning method and sensor scanning method. However, motion errors are often engaged in both methods. This paper proposes an idea to realize a measurement system of flatness errors and its rigorous application for estimation of motion errors of the positioning system. The measurement system is made by modifying the straightness measurement system, which consists of a laser, a CCD camera and processing system, a sensor head, and some optical units. The sensor head is composed of a retroreflector, a ball and ball socket, a linear motion guide unit and adjustable arms. The experimental .results show that the proposed method is useful to identify flatness errors of machined workpieces as well as motion errors of positioning systems.