Polarization-induced orientational order in three different azopolymers is investigated and discussed with respect to the formation of surface relief gratings induced by holographic exposure. Fur this purpose the birefringence and dichroism induced by different light polarization, namely linear, elliptical or circular, has been studied. To determine the symmetry and the induced amount of orientational order the illuminated region is characterized by the scalar Maier-Saupe order parameter S. Tenser gratings were induced in these materials by holographic exposure with different kinds of polarization patterns and were investigated with polarization-and atomic force microscopy. The gratings are characterized by diffraction efficiencies as well as by depth and shape of the surface modulation. Large surface modulations (>2,5 mum) and diffraction efficiencies (>90%) for a 5 mum thick film were obtained.