Softwr

Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs Maptek I-Site

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

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: FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store; Maptek I-Site no pricing information published on product page, requiring direct contact with Maptek sales for quotes
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, 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 FLAC3D and Maptek I-Site actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Maptek I-Site differ
AttributeFLAC3DMaptek 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 FLAC3D

  • 3D finite difference modeling
  • Stress-strain analysis
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Coupled flow analysis
  • Mining-specific features
  • GeoStudio
  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog

Only in Maptek I-Site

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

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

FLAC3D

  • Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot Maptek I-Site
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Maptek I-Site
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Maptek I-Site

Maptek I-Site

  • Laser scanning surveys of open pit and underground mine workingsnot FLAC3D
  • Geotechnical monitoring of pit walls and slopesnot FLAC3D
  • Volume and stockpile measurement from point cloud datanot FLAC3D

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

FLAC3D

  • The FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • Advanced capabilities including Dynamics, Thermal, Creep and IMASS are optional modules sold separately from the base licence
  • Licence portability depends on a physical USB key or a web licence managed centrally, rather than a simple sign in
  • One licence permits only two simultaneous instances on the same computer

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

FLAC3D

On request
  • FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
    • 3D finite difference analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Mine design

Maptek I-Site

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

Which should you pick?

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.
FLAC3D 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 FLAC3D or Maptek I-Site better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D 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, FLAC3D or Maptek I-Site?
FLAC3D starts at On request and Maptek I-Site at On request.
Does FLAC3D or Maptek I-Site run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Maptek I-Site runs on Windows.
What is FLAC3D best used for?
FLAC3D is most often used for three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour, analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving, coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structures. Of those, three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour and analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving are not what Maptek I-Site is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that Maptek I-Site cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing, 3D model creation, Pit wall monitoring, Stockpile measurement. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FLAC3D: What licensing models does FLAC3D offer?

FLAC3D offers perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) and subscription licenses (recurring payments). Web-based license management allows central organizational control.

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
FLAC3D: Can I run multiple instances of FLAC3D with one license?

Yes. FLAC3D licenses allow two instances to run simultaneously on the same computer.

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
FLAC3D: How do I get a free trial or demo of FLAC3D?

FLAC3D offers a free software demo download. Visitors can request the demo through the product page or contact the company directly.

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
FLAC3D: What is the pricing for FLAC3D?

Specific pricing is not listed on the product page. Users must request a quote through the 'REQUEST A QUOTE' button or purchase through the FastSpring payment processor.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on FLAC3D

More on Maptek I-Site

Keep looking

Other head to heads