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Software · head to head

3DEC vs Esri ArcGIS

3

3DEC

Software

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Software

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; Esri ArcGIS arcGIS Online is cloud-based only; self-hosted deployment requires separate ArcGIS Enterprise licence
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Esri ArcGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Esri ArcGIS differ
Attribute3DECEsri ArcGIS
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, Mobile (field apps), Desktop
Founded19811969

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 3DEC

  • 3D distinct element analysis
  • Block motion tracking
  • Contact detection
  • Support design
  • Dynamic simulation
  • FLAC3D
  • Leapfrog
  • Vulcan

Only in Esri ArcGIS

  • Mapping & Visualization
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Data Management
  • Field Operations
  • Real-time Analytics
  • AutoCAD
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Office

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

3DEC

  • Three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materialsnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Esri ArcGIS
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Esri ArcGIS

Esri ArcGIS

  • Geospatial mapping and spatial analysisnot 3DEC
  • Enterprise data governance and managementnot 3DEC
  • Real-time field data collectionnot 3DEC
  • AI-assisted geospatial analysisnot 3DEC

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

3DEC

  • Pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options
  • A specialist geomechanical tool rather than general purpose simulation, so it assumes the user is a rock mechanics engineer

Esri ArcGIS

  • ArcGIS Online is cloud-based only; self-hosted deployment requires separate ArcGIS Enterprise licence
  • Field and offline workflows require advanced capabilities; basic plans may lack offline synchronisation
  • Pricing details not published; customers must contact sales for quotes

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

On request
  • 3DEC Professional$25000/year
    • 3D distinct element analysis
    • Block-to-block interaction
    • Support installation modeling

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose 3DEC if

  • You need 3d distinct element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want block motion tracking.
3DEC review

Choose Esri ArcGIS if

  • You need mapping & visualization.
  • You work on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop.
  • You also want spatial analysis.
Esri ArcGIS review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Esri ArcGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Esri ArcGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Esri ArcGIS?
3DEC starts at On request and Esri ArcGIS at On request.
Does 3DEC or Esri ArcGIS run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop.
What is 3DEC best used for?
3DEC is most often used for three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials, slope stability and pillar analysis for mining, blast and earthquake dynamic analysis, groundwater flow through fractured rock. Of those, three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials and slope stability and pillar analysis for mining are not what Esri ArcGIS is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Esri ArcGIS cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations.
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