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Software · head to head

3DEC vs IndoorAtlas

3

3DEC

Software

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IndoorAtlas logo

IndoorAtlas

Software

Indoor positioning and navigation solutions using the Earth's magnetic field, WiFi, and Bluetooth beacons

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only IndoorAtlas has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; IndoorAtlas requires labor-intensive fingerprinting process, walking every corridor to build magnetic map for each venue
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, IndoorAtlas covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and IndoorAtlas actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and IndoorAtlas differ
Attribute3DECIndoorAtlas
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, LinuxiOS, Android, Web
Founded19812012

Identical on both: 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 IndoorAtlas

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

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

IndoorAtlas

No use cases recorded yet. See the IndoorAtlas review.

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

IndoorAtlas

  • Requires labor-intensive fingerprinting process, walking every corridor to build magnetic map for each venue
  • Magnetic signatures degrade over time, requiring periodic re-fingerprinting as the environment changes
  • Magnetic interference from external sources and devices disrupts positioning accuracy
  • Positioning inconsistent across different smartphone models due to magnetometer heterogeneity
  • High cost to deploy and maintain, with expensive implementation for wide-scale adaptation

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

IndoorAtlas

Free
  • Development$400/month
    • Free tier available
  • Production$349/month
    • Per-venue subscription
    • Multi-layer sensor fusion

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 IndoorAtlas if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want user interface.
IndoorAtlas review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or IndoorAtlas better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and IndoorAtlas at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or IndoorAtlas?
IndoorAtlas has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for 3DEC and Free for IndoorAtlas.
Does 3DEC or IndoorAtlas run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. IndoorAtlas runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use IndoorAtlas for free?
Yes. IndoorAtlas has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. 3DEC starts at On request.
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 IndoorAtlas is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that IndoorAtlas cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. IndoorAtlas covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

IndoorAtlas: How does IndoorAtlas determine positioning without beacons or hardware?

IndoorAtlas uses patented geomagnetic fusion technology that maps the Earth's magnetic field patterns inside buildings through a process called magnetic fingerprinting. The technology combines magnetometer data with other sensors like WiFi and Bluetooth for robust positioning.

Source
IndoorAtlas: What is the initial setup process for IndoorAtlas?

Setup requires fingerprinting the venue by systematically walking through all corridors and spaces to build a magnetic map. The platform then identifies problematic areas through red (conflicting data), blue (insufficient coverage), and path orientation errors that require correction before the map is production-ready.

Source
IndoorAtlas: What are IndoorAtlas's pricing plans?

IndoorAtlas offers production subscriptions starting at 349 euros per month per venue, with a development plan at 400 euros per month. A free tier is available for developers to start building.

Source
IndoorAtlas: How accurate is IndoorAtlas positioning?

IndoorAtlas claims industry-leading accuracy down to 50 centimeters using its 6-layer sensor fusion core across diverse environments, though accuracy varies based on building magnetic patterns and requires careful calibration.

Source
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