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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Maptek I-Site

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Maptek I-Site logo

Maptek I-Site

Mining

3D laser scanning and point cloud processing

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; Maptek I-Site no pricing information published on product page, requiring direct contact with Maptek sales for quotes
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Maptek I-Site actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Maptek I-Site differ
Attribute3DECMaptek I-Site
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining), founded (1981).

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 Maptek I-Site

  • Point cloud processing
  • 3D model creation
  • Pit wall monitoring
  • Stockpile measurement
  • Change detection
  • CAD systems
  • GIS platforms
  • Laser scanners

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

Maptek I-Site

  • Laser scanning surveys of open pit and underground mine workingsnot 3DEC
  • Geotechnical monitoring of pit walls and slopesnot 3DEC
  • Volume and stockpile measurement from point cloud datanot 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

Maptek I-Site

  • No pricing information published on product page, requiring direct contact with Maptek sales for quotes
  • No self-service pricing or trial options mentioned, creating barrier to entry for smaller organizations
  • Product page focuses on technical specifications rather than pricing or licensing models

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Maptek I-Site

On request
  • I-Site Studio$11000/year
    • Point cloud processing
    • 3D modeling
    • Pit wall analysis

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 Maptek I-Site if

  • You need point cloud processing.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want 3d model creation.
Maptek I-Site review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Maptek I-Site better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Maptek I-Site at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Maptek I-Site?
3DEC starts at On request and Maptek I-Site at On request.
Does 3DEC or Maptek I-Site run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Maptek I-Site 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 Maptek I-Site is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Maptek I-Site cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing, 3D model creation, Pit wall monitoring, Stockpile measurement. 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
Maptek I-Site: What is the pricing for Maptek i-site laser scanning products?

Pricing for Maptek i-site laser scanners (NS4, XR3, XR3-D, UR3) and related software tools is not published. Interested parties must contact Maptek through their support channels or complete a contact form to request a specification sheet and pricing information.

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
Maptek I-Site: What geomatics software tools are available with i-site products?

Maptek offers related geomatics software including PointStudio, PointModeller, Sentry, FieldControl, FieldHHC, and Drive. Specific pricing and licensing for each software tool is not disclosed on the product page.

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
Maptek I-Site: How can I get pricing and detailed specifications for i-site?

The product page includes a contact form prompting users to 'Request a spec sheet.' Interested customers can also access support email and general contact options to obtain pricing details and product specifications.

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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