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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Leica Geosystems Mining

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Leica Geosystems Mining logo

Leica Geosystems Mining

Mining

Advanced positioning and measurement for mining

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; Leica Geosystems Mining the solutions depend on buying Leica measurement hardware and sensors, including LiDAR and airborne laser scanning units, rather than software alone
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Leica Geosystems Mining covers GNSS positioning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Leica Geosystems Mining actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Leica Geosystems Mining differ
Attribute3DECLeica Geosystems Mining
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows, Ios, Android, Web
Founded19811921

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 Leica Geosystems Mining

  • GNSS positioning
  • Total station surveying
  • 3D laser scanning
  • Drone integration
  • Real-time kinematic positioning
  • CAD systems
  • GIS platforms
  • Mining software

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

Leica Geosystems Mining

  • Surveying and capturing detailed mine featuresnot 3DEC
  • Designing mine infrastructure from measured datanot 3DEC
  • Airborne LiDAR capture of mine sitesnot 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

Leica Geosystems Mining

  • The solutions depend on buying Leica measurement hardware and sensors, including LiDAR and airborne laser scanning units, rather than software alone
  • No price, subscription fee or licensing term is published on the mining solutions page
  • Fleet management is handled by the separate Hexagon Mining business rather than by Leica Geosystems

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Leica Geosystems Mining

On request
  • Leica Mining Suite$45000/year
    • GNSS positioning
    • Total station systems
    • 3D laser scanning

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 Leica Geosystems Mining if

  • You need gnss positioning.
  • You work on Windows, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want total station surveying.
Leica Geosystems Mining review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Leica Geosystems Mining better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Leica Geosystems Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Leica Geosystems Mining?
3DEC starts at On request and Leica Geosystems Mining at On request.
Does 3DEC or Leica Geosystems Mining run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Leica Geosystems Mining runs on Windows, Ios, Android, Web.
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 Leica Geosystems Mining is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Leica Geosystems Mining cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Leica Geosystems Mining covers GNSS positioning, Total station surveying, 3D laser scanning, Drone integration. 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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