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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs IHS Markit Petra

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IHS Markit Petra logo

IHS Markit Petra

Mining

Geological interpretation and mapping software

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; IHS Markit Petra iHS Markit Petra's product page (ihsmarkit.com/products/petra.html) now redirects live to spglobal.com, confirming IHS Markit's merger into S&P Global means the Petra product line is sold under S&P Global rather than as an independent IHS Markit product (redirect observed 19 August 2026).
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, IHS Markit Petra covers Well log analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and IHS Markit Petra actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and IHS Markit Petra differ
Attribute3DECIHS Markit Petra
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811959

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

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 IHS Markit Petra

  • Well log analysis
  • Cross-section creation
  • Contour mapping
  • Formation tops
  • Volumetric calculations
  • Kingdom
  • ArcGIS
  • Petrel

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

IHS Markit Petra

  • Well log interpretationnot 3DEC
  • Geological mappingnot 3DEC
  • Exploration analysisnot 3DEC
  • Formation evaluationnot 3DEC
  • Resource assessmentnot 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

IHS Markit Petra

  • IHS Markit Petra's product page (ihsmarkit.com/products/petra.html) now redirects live to spglobal.com, confirming IHS Markit's merger into S&P Global means the Petra product line is sold under S&P Global rather than as an independent IHS Markit product (redirect observed 19 August 2026).

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

IHS Markit Petra

On request
  • Petra Standard$8000/year
    • Well log analysis
    • Cross-sections
    • Contour mapping
  • Petra Professional$15000/year
    • 3D visualization
    • Advanced mapping
    • Volumetric analysis

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 IHS Markit Petra if

  • You need well log analysis.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want cross-section creation.
IHS Markit Petra review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or IHS Markit Petra better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and IHS Markit Petra at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or IHS Markit Petra?
3DEC starts at On request and IHS Markit Petra at On request.
Does 3DEC or IHS Markit Petra run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. IHS Markit Petra 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 IHS Markit Petra is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that IHS Markit Petra cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. IHS Markit Petra covers Well log analysis, Cross-section creation, Contour mapping, Formation tops. 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
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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