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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Leapfrog Geo

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Leapfrog Geo logo

Leapfrog Geo

Mining

3D geological modeling and visualization software

From
$164.25/day (Consultants Daily)
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; Leapfrog Geo implicit modeling requires significant data quality and density for accurate results
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Leapfrog Geo covers Implicit modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Leapfrog Geo actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Leapfrog Geo differ
Attribute3DECLeapfrog Geo
Starting priceOn request$164.25/day (Consultants Daily)
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows, Desktop, Web portal
Founded19812003

Identical on both: 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
  • Python

Only in Leapfrog Geo

  • Implicit modeling
  • 3D visualization
  • Drill hole analysis
  • Geological interpretation
  • Dynamic updates
  • Surpac
  • Datamine
  • ArcGIS

Both cover

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

Leapfrog Geo

  • Geological modelingnot 3DEC
  • Mineral explorationnot 3DEC
  • Resource estimationnot 3DEC
  • Geotechnical analysisnot 3DEC
  • Environmental 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

Leapfrog Geo

  • Implicit modeling requires significant data quality and density for accurate results
  • Extension features are priced separately, adding significant cost for specialized workflows

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Leapfrog Geo

$164.25/day (Consultants Daily)
  • Shared Seats$undefined/12 months
    • Concurrent seat sharing
    • Offline capability
    • Contact Seequent for pricing
  • Named Seats$undefined/12 months
    • Dedicated single user
    • Unlimited use
    • Offline capability
  • Consultants Daily$164.25/day (capped 15 days/month)
    • Pay-as-you-go
    • Offline capability
    • Initial account setup fee

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 Leapfrog Geo if

  • You need implicit modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Desktop, Web portal.
  • You also want 3d visualization.
Leapfrog Geo review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Leapfrog Geo better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Leapfrog Geo at $164.25/day (Consultants Daily), and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Leapfrog Geo?
3DEC starts at On request and Leapfrog Geo at $164.25/day (Consultants Daily).
Does 3DEC or Leapfrog Geo run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Leapfrog Geo runs on Windows, Desktop, Web portal.
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 Leapfrog Geo is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Leapfrog Geo cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Leapfrog Geo covers Implicit modeling, 3D visualization, Drill hole analysis, Geological interpretation. Both handle Vulcan, 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
Leapfrog Geo: What license types does Leapfrog Geo offer?

Leapfrog Geo offers three subscription options: Shared Seats for multiple users taking turns with one seat, Named Seats for dedicated individual users, and Consultants Daily for pay-as-you-go daily access. All support 30-day offline work for field locations.

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
Leapfrog Geo: What file formats and data types does Leapfrog Geo support?

Leapfrog Geo integrates multiple geoscience data types including drillhole information, structural data, points, polylines, and mesh data to generate models. It also supports industry interoperability for data exchange.

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
Leapfrog Geo: Does Leapfrog Geo work offline?

Yes, all Leapfrog Geo license types support offline work for up to 30 days, enabling geologists and engineers to work in remote field locations without internet connectivity.

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
Leapfrog Geo: What extensions are available for Leapfrog Geo?

Extensions include Edge Extension for resource estimation with block model interrogation, Geophysics Extension for seismic and ground penetrating radar data integration, and Hydrogeology Extension for MODFLOW and FEFLOW model incorporation.

Source
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