Software · head to head
3DEC vs Imago
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; Imago now a Seequent product rather than an independent one, so it sits inside that ecosystem and its own domain no longer resolves
- They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Imago covers Geological database.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Imago actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), 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
- Python
- Linux support
Only in Imago
- Geological database
- Drill hole management
- Sample tracking
- Data validation
- Reporting tools
- Excel
- GIS systems
Both cover
- Leapfrog
- Vulcan
- 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 Imago
- Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Imago
- Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Imago
- Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Imago
- Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Imago
Imago
- Digitising and managing drill core photographynot 3DEC
- Linking core imagery to geological logging datanot 3DEC
- Streaming high-resolution core imagery into Leapfrog modelsnot 3DEC
- Sharing geoscientific imagery across a distributed exploration teamnot 3DEC
- Capturing core images in the field with the mobile appnot 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
Imago
- Now a Seequent product rather than an independent one, so it sits inside that ecosystem and its own domain no longer resolves
- Capturing images at quality expects the Capture X software driving a camera rig, so it is not purely a software purchase
Pricing, plan by plan
3DEC
On request- 3DEC Professional$25000/year
- 3D distinct element analysis
- Block-to-block interaction
- Support installation modeling
Imago
On request- Imago Professional$6500/year
- Database management
- Drill hole tracking
- Sample management
Which should you pick?
Choose 3DEC if
- You need 3d distinct element analysis.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want block motion tracking.
Choose Imago if
- You need geological database.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want drill hole management.
Questions people ask
- Is 3DEC or Imago better?
- Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Imago at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Imago?
- 3DEC starts at On request and Imago at On request.
- Does 3DEC or Imago run on more platforms?
- 3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Imago 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 Imago is typically brought in for.
- What can 3DEC do that Imago cannot?
- 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Imago covers Geological database, Drill hole management, Sample tracking, Data validation. Both handle Leapfrog, Vulcan, Windows support.