I downloaded a program called "MicroDEM" but it's operations are opaque to me. I can't seem to load any digital maps into it. Government maps are available in PDF format but MicroDEM doesn't seem to be able to use them. When I am able to load JPGs into it, I can't view elevation data.

Experts I've contacted advise me to buy an expensive mapping program then spend more money on DEMs tailored to it. That's what I'm trying to get around.