A system for measuring a surface profile during the paving process includes a smoothness processor and a single directly connected elevation sensor to produce streaming, real-time smoothness data and a short term trend line so that the operator can make prospective corrections to paving machine settings. Real-time smoothness data is sent to a remote device. The smoothness processor may also receive additional sensor data from one CAN connected sensor and up to five sonic sensors and display the CAN connected sensor data to the operator.