How would I go about turning a 3D Model into a DEM for use in VUE etc?
I have one idea using UV Mapper and the paint function, but there can be mapping problems.
What I am looking for is basically something that can covert virtual modelling height into a square DEM map.
I can see lots of interesting uses for this, at a much lighter drag on CP resources. I am beginning use Z-Bush a lot, but the only draw-back is the sheer size of the polygon count in ZB. Millions, that will choke most programs. It might be possible to use a displacement map created in ZB for a high poly model, if one could convert it to a DEM style greyscale. Anyone got ideas?
It might also solve some of the Mt St. Helens problems by breaking up the volcano into a number of different maps for different sections. Just a thought.

why not use a bitmap to make an elevation> you cna spend ages makinga complex grey scale image thenbring it in :)

Unfortunately no, you can't turn models into dem information, you can export terrains as image files (in the terrain editor) but you can't turn those into DEM files by themselves. As for the mt. st. helens problem, we actually already have the dem files, we're trying to get them into Vue with as little alignment work and seam issues as possible, so far we seem to be stuck importing multiple 2048 x 2048 terrains directly from the dem files until E-on improves their dem support to increase the allowable terrain import resolution.