1. A method for contactless fingerprint scanning with improved identification fidelity, said method comprising: scanning a fingerprint or a handprint; providing topographical contrast of a feature of said scanned fingerprint or a feature of said scanned handprint to analyze said scanned fingerprint or said scanned handprint; and providing optical contrast of said feature of said scanned fingerprint or said feature of said scanned handprint to analyze said scanned fingerprint or said scanned handprint.