AutoDEM (create DEM from scanned topographic maps)

AutoDEM (aka as AutoMNT) is a freeware GIS software to create Digital Elevation Models (DEM) from scanned topographic maps for Windows.
Through different data layers (map, contours, DEM, etc.), AutoDEM provides many tools for :

    Topographic map analysis
    Contour lines extraction and reconstruction
    Contours to DEM interpolation and DEM analysis
    DEM to TIN conversion
    Toponyms extraction

Most of the worldwide file formats used in the GIS community are supported. AutoDEM can also directly import data from web servers (TerraServer, WebMapService, WFS, …) 

What AutoDEM can do
Here are most relevant features of the software :

    Multi-layers interface to manage original map, extracted contours, elevation grid and triangular mesh.
    Common classical image editing tools (zoom, hand, selection, pen, eraser, lines etc.)
    Support every common image file formats supported by GDAL (JPEG, PNG, PGM, PNM, BMP, GIF …). Complete list
    Support most DEM file formats supported by GDAL. Complete list
    Plug-in based architecture through a DLL mechanism (a Development Kit is coming)
    Contour lines extraction from map through different filters
    Contour lines reconstruction and edition
    Tools to semi-auto set contour lines' elevations
    Contour lines interpolation with different methods like geodesic distances, Partial Differential Equations, Inverse Distance Weighted Averaging, Radial Basis Functions and kriging
    Elevations related tools
    Embossing filter to preview the terrain rendering
    Realtime 3D visualization and navigation with the Level of Detail (LOD) Duchaineau's `Realtime Optimally-Adapting Meshes' (ROAM) algorithm included (need an OpenGL graphic card)
    DEM to regular or irregular (TIN) mesh generation and export
    Import maps and DEM from WebMapFeature (WMS) or TerraServer
    Lot of other features…

As AutoDEM is still a research tool, it's updated very soon and will be developped for many years, and you are encouraged to ask us the improvements you would like to see and help us to make AutoDEM an easy-to-use and powerful tool. 

Download :

http://www.autodem.com/download/AutoDEM-v1.6.2b.zip