This paper analyzes and compares the storage format of DMA DTED and USGS DEM, and then presents a new storage format for digital terrain elevation data. The storage and access algorithm is also presented. The results show that the new format is an effective file storage format for digital map data exchange in Windows environment, with simple structure, preferable extendibility, and easiness for realization. This storage format has been used in digital map 3-D visualization software TERRAIN, and it is put in use in the digital map data exchange format in the Synthetic Distributed Simulation plat for Low Altitude Penetration System that is now under development.