What one might call another form of extrusion is the Elevation Grid. Starting from a flat surface, any number of elevation points can be entered into the file to create any topografy. Then various images are applied to the grid surface to depict ground cover. Trees, boulders, or any other objects can be placed on the grid.

A good application for this might be a proposed, new home on an elevation grid designed to depict the surrounding ground with grass, trees, bushes and other landscaping.