1. A compact sensor system for measuring at least one component of a small electric field generated by an object comprising: a first, capacitive-type electrical sensor adapted to generate first electric potential signals related to the electric field at a first position spaced from the object; a second electrical sensor located at a second position which is spaced a predetermined, fixed distance from said first position, said second electrical sensor being adapted to generate second electric potential signals related to the electric field; and a controller for processing the first and second electric potential signals to determine a first vector component of the electric field.