The USGS has begun to distribute global Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation data at 1 arc-second (~30m) resolution. Previously SRTM data at this resolution have only been available for the US and its territories. These newly released data can refine small-scale modeling and solar radiation calculations, improve landscape ecology and classifications, and help produce better 3D graphics at a minimum!
Here at the YCEO we downloaded a tile of this new data covering the Strait of Gibraltar. This image compares Gibraltar using the new 1 arc-second (left) SRTM data and the previous 3 arc-second SRTM data. As you can see, there is a better gradient and the coastline is more defined.
The new SRTM data are released at the Version 3 processing level, which have been void-filled. They will be posted in stages, with most of Africa and a portion of southern Europe available as of this writing. These data are only available at the USGS Earth Explorer site in one degree tiles. You can view the YCEO FAQ page for tips on finding and importing Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data.