I developed a method with an activator shooting silent inviable spell to "ping" the solid mesh surface. It is in my Hypothermia mod to detect if the player is under shelter from the rain.
see it here:
http://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/files/file/534-duke-patricks-basic-hypothermia-ii-rev-31/
It works really well for what/how I am using it, but it also is complex and not entirely 100 percent perfect...but what is in oblivion moding?
No simple way.
There are a few complex ways. The one I am familiar with is using GetLOS.
You may check http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsRRsvYd_hc and use my scripts from " http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19980"
But the technique is not perfect due some engine characteristics, particularly when dealing with the ground.