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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs GEOVIA GEMS

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
GEOVIA GEMS logo

GEOVIA GEMS

Mining

Comprehensive geology and mine planning solution

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; GEOVIA GEMS no pricing published on vendor website; requires contact with sales team
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, GEOVIA GEMS covers Geological modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and GEOVIA GEMS actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and GEOVIA GEMS differ
Attribute3DECGEOVIA GEMS
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining), founded (1981).

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 GEOVIA GEMS

  • Geological modeling
  • Multi-element analysis
  • Resource estimation
  • Mine planning
  • Reserve reporting
  • MineSched
  • Whittle
  • Surpac

Both cover

  • Windows support

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 GEOVIA GEMS
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot GEOVIA GEMS
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot GEOVIA GEMS
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot GEOVIA GEMS
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot GEOVIA GEMS

GEOVIA GEMS

  • Complex deposit modelingnot 3DEC
  • Multi-element estimationnot 3DEC
  • Strategic planningnot 3DEC
  • Reserve calculationsnot 3DEC
  • Compliance reportingnot 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

GEOVIA GEMS

  • No pricing published on vendor website; requires contact with sales team

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

GEOVIA GEMS

On request
  • GEMS Core$10000/year
    • Geological modeling
    • Data management
    • 3D visualization
  • GEMS Professional$18000/year
    • Advanced geostatistics
    • Mine design
    • Multi-element modeling

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 GEOVIA GEMS if

  • You need geological modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want multi-element analysis.
GEOVIA GEMS review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or GEOVIA GEMS better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and GEOVIA GEMS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or GEOVIA GEMS?
3DEC starts at On request and GEOVIA GEMS at On request.
Does 3DEC or GEOVIA GEMS run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. GEOVIA GEMS runs on Windows.
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 GEOVIA GEMS is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that GEOVIA GEMS cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. GEOVIA GEMS covers Geological modeling, Multi-element analysis, Resource estimation, Mine planning. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

3DEC: Does 3DEC offer a free trial before purchasing?

Yes, 3DEC provides a free demo download available via the REQUEST DEMO button on their website. However, the specific trial period length is not stated on the product page.

Source
GEOVIA GEMS: How much does Geovia GEMS cost?

Pricing information is not published on the Geovia GEMS website. Customers must contact the sales team directly to obtain quotes and licensing terms.

Source
3DEC: What licensing models does 3DEC support?

3DEC offers both subscription-based licenses (annual) and perpetual licenses. Subscription licenses are available through their FastSpring store with annual subscription terms.

Source
3DEC: How is 3DEC pricing determined?

3DEC uses a quote-based pricing model rather than publishing fixed rates. Customers can request a quote through the website or purchase through their software store, with pricing customized based on specific needs.

Source
3DEC: What support resources are included with 3DEC?

3DEC includes documentation, tutorials, forum access, FAQs, applied examples, and training courses. Support appears to be included with purchases rather than sold separately.

Source
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