Shaded Relief Maps in Blender

I'd recommend with simple projects like edge-grain cutting boards and moving up in complexity. I got started making cutting boards, signs, and drink coasters [1]. A cutting board is the kind of project that's easy to start off with, but has a high skill cap if you're trying to make something _very_ nice. Plus they make great gifts.

John Katz-Moses - YouTube channel [2] for learning traditional woodworking (cutting boards, joinery, frame making, etc). He's recently been getting into CNC.

Frank Howarth (also on YouTube [3]) - Resource for woodworking, commonly incorporating CNC with traditional woodworking methods.

Winston Moy (YouTube - [4]) - Go-to for learning how to use the Shapeoko line of routers, but the knowledge on his channel is applicable to any CNC platform. He has lots of parametric modeling tips-and-tricks as well. Lots of ideas for starter projects on a benchtop sized CNC.

I use a Shapeoko Pro for my work, but you can get started at a lower price-point by going with a used Shapeoko 3 to get your feet wet. The "Shapeoko and Nomad Users Group (Unofficial)" group on Facebook [5] has lots of projects, and is a good community for getting support with projects, and finding used machines for sale. There's also the X-Carve platform (that I'm not as familiar with, but they're pretty comparable feature and ability wise).

I'd recommend getting familiar with a parametric 3D modeling suite such as Fusion 360 (which does both CAD and CAM in the same package), which is what I use to generate toolpaths once I've created a reasonable looking topographic model in Blender.

My favorite resource for Fusion 360 is "Fusion 360 School" [6]. It has tons of little tips and tricks. The first videos in the channel are a primer on how to use the the software, assuming zero previous knowledge. 3D printing channels are also a good resource for Fusion 360 knowledge.

[1] - https://www.longtailwoodcraft.com/gallery.html

[2] - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXBNF-A7QlYT3tT-B9N4ElA

[3] - https://www.youtube.com/user/urbanTrash

[4] - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdCeHBUOlcCWr6RM8acEog

[5] - https://www.facebook.com/groups/232744457133521

[6] - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU7QDqWAeIdCK5aNFXPgX2g

That's gorgeous!

Does anyone know of code for simplified triangle geometry rendering of dem data? Usually these renderings use the color data from satellite images which blows up storage cost. But simplified geometry might be small enough to both be useful and pretty to look at.

Thanks!