Pixels are fine, actually. Fits with the way I work. If I were designing a tool I could use for making maps I'd do it so it would output both a smooth height map and a map with different elevations in separate colors. Both could be useful in cartography. Maybe some of the members who have been making regional/atlas type maps more than I have lately will have some other ideas.
M

Edit: Oh. And. Have some rep for coming forward and sharing your cool work. It has been a while since I got to rep anyone!