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Mining & Resources · head to head

3DEC vs Mapbox

3

3DEC

Mining & Resources

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mapbox logo

Mapbox

Maps & Navigation

Location data platform for mobile and web applications

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Mapbox 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; Mapbox data accuracy varies by region compared to Google Maps' global consistency
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Mapbox covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Mapbox differ
Attribute3DECMapbox
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, iOS, Android
CategoryMining & ResourcesMaps & Navigation
Founded19812010

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Mapbox

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

Mapbox

  • In-vehicle navigation and automotive infotainmentnot 3DEC
  • Delivery and on-demand logistics routingnot 3DEC
  • Custom map design and hosting through Studio and the Tiling Servicenot 3DEC
  • Geocoding, address validation and autofill in an applicationnot 3DEC
  • Telecom coverage and business intelligence visualisationnot 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

Mapbox

  • Data accuracy varies by region compared to Google Maps' global consistency
  • Real-time traffic data quality inconsistent across different geographic locations
  • Less familiar interface to users accustomed to Google Maps

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Mapbox

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Mapbox review.

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 Mapbox if

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

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Mapbox better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Mapbox at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Mapbox?
Mapbox has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for 3DEC and Free for Mapbox.
Does 3DEC or Mapbox run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Mapbox runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Mapbox for free?
Yes. Mapbox 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 Mapbox is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Mapbox cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Mapbox covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mapbox: What is Mapbox's pricing model?

Mapbox uses usage-based pricing with a free tier supporting 50,000 monthly map loads for web. Beyond that, pricing ranges from $0.50-$5 per 1,000 navigation requests and $0.75-$4 per 1,000 geocoding queries.

Source
Mapbox: How does Mapbox compare to Google Maps in pricing?

For moderate to high-volume customers, Mapbox total cost is often 25-50% lower than Google Maps Platform, making it more cost-effective at scale.

Source
Mapbox: What are Mapbox's key features?

Mapbox provides global map data, real-time traffic, geocoding and address search, routing and directions, extensive customization options, and strong data visualization tools for developers.

Source
Mapbox: Does Mapbox support offline maps?

Yes. Mapbox allows developers to download offline map tiles, providing offline map viewing and navigation capabilities unlike Google Maps API's restricted offline functionality.

Source
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