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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Whittle

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Whittle logo

Whittle

Mining

Strategic open pit mine optimization software

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; Whittle the Internet Archive's capture of Dassault Systemes' GEOVIA Whittle page on 20 January 2021 named it as one of seven distinct GEOVIA mining products (alongside Surpac, GEMS, Minex, MineSched, PCBC, InSite), sold via a 'How to buy' contact process with no price figure published.
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Whittle covers Pit optimization.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Whittle differ
Attribute3DECWhittle
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 Whittle

  • Pit optimization
  • NPV maximization
  • Cutoff grade analysis
  • Pushback design
  • Economic modeling
  • Surpac
  • MineSched
  • PCBC

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

Whittle

  • Pit optimizationnot 3DEC
  • Strategic planningnot 3DEC
  • Feasibility studiesnot 3DEC
  • Economic analysisnot 3DEC
  • Scenario comparisonnot 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

Whittle

  • The Internet Archive's capture of Dassault Systemes' GEOVIA Whittle page on 20 January 2021 named it as one of seven distinct GEOVIA mining products (alongside Surpac, GEMS, Minex, MineSched, PCBC, InSite), sold via a 'How to buy' contact process with no price figure published.

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Whittle

On request
  • Whittle Standard$15000/year
    • Pit optimization
    • Economic analysis
    • Multiple scenarios
  • Whittle Enterprise$25000/year
    • Advanced optimization
    • Scheduling integration
    • NPV maximization

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 Whittle if

  • You need pit optimization.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want npv maximization.
Whittle review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Whittle better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Whittle at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Whittle?
3DEC starts at On request and Whittle at On request.
Does 3DEC or Whittle run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Whittle 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 Whittle is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Whittle cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Whittle covers Pit optimization, NPV maximization, Cutoff grade analysis, Pushback design. 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
Whittle: Where can I find pricing for GEOVIA Whittle?

Whittle is an advanced strategic mine planning product. Pricing information is not available on the public product page and requires contacting Dassault Systèmes directly through their contact form.

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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