Elevation data can often provide a complete dataset for analysis and derivative products without any other data. In this chapter, you learned how to read and write ASCII Grids using only NumPy. You also learned how to create shaded reliefs, slope grids, and aspect grids. We created elevation contours using a little-known feature called contour of the GDAL library that's available for Python.
Next, we transformed LIDAR data into an easy-to-manipulate ASCII Grid. We experimented with different ways to visualize the LIDAR data with the PIL. Finally, we created a 3D surface or TIN by turning a LIDAR point cloud into a 3D shapefile of polygons. These are the tools of terrain analysis that are used for transportation planning, construction planning, hydrological drainage modeling, geologic exploration, and more.
In the next chapter, we'll combine the building blocks...