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Software · head to head

IHS Markit Petra vs UDEC

IHS Markit Petra logo

IHS Markit Petra

Software

Geological interpretation and mapping software

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
U

UDEC

Software

Universal distinct element code for mining analysis

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: IHS Markit Petra iHS Markit Petra's product page (ihsmarkit.com/products/petra.html) now redirects live to spglobal.com, confirming IHS Markit's merger into S&P Global means the Petra product line is sold under S&P Global rather than as an independent IHS Markit product (redirect observed 19 August 2026).; UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: IHS Markit Petra covers Well log analysis, UDEC covers Distinct element modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IHS Markit Petra and UDEC actually diverge.

Attributes where IHS Markit Petra and UDEC differ
AttributeIHS Markit PetraUDEC
PlatformsWindowsWindows, Linux
Founded19591981

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

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 IHS Markit Petra

  • Well log analysis
  • Cross-section creation
  • Contour mapping
  • Formation tops
  • Volumetric calculations
  • Kingdom
  • ArcGIS
  • Petrel

Only in UDEC

  • Distinct element modeling
  • Joint network modeling
  • Block interaction analysis
  • Support interaction
  • Dynamic analysis
  • FLAC3D
  • 3DEC
  • Leapfrog

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

IHS Markit Petra

  • Well log interpretationnot UDEC
  • Geological mappingnot UDEC
  • Exploration analysisnot UDEC
  • Formation evaluationnot UDEC
  • Resource assessmentnot UDEC

UDEC

  • Two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rocknot IHS Markit Petra
  • Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot IHS Markit Petra
  • Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot IHS Markit Petra

Where each one falls short

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

IHS Markit Petra

  • IHS Markit Petra's product page (ihsmarkit.com/products/petra.html) now redirects live to spglobal.com, confirming IHS Markit's merger into S&P Global means the Petra product line is sold under S&P Global rather than as an independent IHS Markit product (redirect observed 19 August 2026).

UDEC

  • The UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • Fluid Flow, Barton-Bandis joint analysis, Creep, Thermal and User Defined Models are optional add ons charged on top of the base licence
  • Writing custom constitutive models requires the separately licensed UDM option and C++ programming
  • Purchases through the Buy Now route are prepaid annual subscriptions rather than a permanent licence

Pricing, plan by plan

IHS Markit Petra

On request
  • Petra Standard$8000/year
    • Well log analysis
    • Cross-sections
    • Contour mapping
  • Petra Professional$15000/year
    • 3D visualization
    • Advanced mapping
    • Volumetric analysis

UDEC

On request
  • UDEC Professional$19000/year
    • Distinct element analysis
    • Joint modeling
    • Block interaction

Which should you pick?

Choose IHS Markit Petra if

  • You need well log analysis.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want cross-section creation.
IHS Markit Petra review

Choose UDEC if

  • You need distinct element modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want joint network modeling.
UDEC review

Questions people ask

Is IHS Markit Petra or UDEC better?
Neither clearly leads. IHS Markit Petra starts at On request and UDEC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IHS Markit Petra or UDEC?
IHS Markit Petra starts at On request and UDEC at On request.
Does IHS Markit Petra or UDEC run on more platforms?
IHS Markit Petra runs on Windows. UDEC runs on Windows, Linux.
What is IHS Markit Petra best used for?
IHS Markit Petra is most often used for well log interpretation, geological mapping, exploration analysis, formation evaluation. Of those, well log interpretation and geological mapping are not what UDEC is typically brought in for.
What can IHS Markit Petra do that UDEC cannot?
IHS Markit Petra covers Well log analysis, Cross-section creation, Contour mapping, Formation tops. UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Both handle Windows support.
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