[Freegis-list] typical elevation data format

[Reed Hedges]

Hello. I'm pretty new to GIS but want to start experimenting with rough 
maps and 3D visualizations.

What are some of the most common DEM data formats? I want to write 
scripts to import them into a 3D modeling and animation program 
(Blender).

Looking at some of the free data linked from freegis.org, I see that:

1. NOAA "GLOBE" and USGS "GTOPO" files contain binary signed 16 bit 
sequences, with new rows starting after X values (but no row 
seperator).
2. The "GTOPO" .HDR file specifies byte order, #rows, lat/lon 
registration, etc.  (Looks like ARC View format?)
3. The "GLOBE" .hdr file has similar info, but with a different syntax. 
(For the GeoVu sofware)


Are there other formats I should consider?

Thanks,

Reed