[comp.graphics] Info Wanted on Displaying Elevation Data

noring@netcom.UUCP (Jon Noring) (09/29/90)

I'd like to be able to realistically display topographic elevation
data on my home computer (pc).  Realistic means with solid surface
modeling, shadowing, color capability, etc., so it looks like the
real thing (or close to it).  Of course, I'd like to be able to
view the "model" at various angles.  High resolution capability
preferred (superVGA or 1024x768) and the ability to generate GIF or
similar files of the displayed image.

Some questions:

1)  Who offers software written specifically to do this?  Can I
    adapt some CAD software to do this?

2)  Other than the U.S. Geological Survey, where can I get topographic
    elevation data files?  I'm especially interested in, but not
    limited to, public domain data sets.

3)  Are there books dealing with this subject?

Thank you for your help, Jon Noring