Softwr

Mining & Resources · head to head

Imago vs UDEC

Imago logo

Imago

Mining & Resources

Geological database and exploration management

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
U

UDEC

Mining & Resources

Universal distinct element code for mining analysis

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Imago now a Seequent product rather than an independent one, so it sits inside that ecosystem and its own domain no longer resolves; UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: Imago covers Geological database, UDEC covers Distinct element modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Imago and UDEC actually diverge.

Attributes where Imago and UDEC differ
AttributeImagoUDEC
PlatformsWindowsWindows, Linux
Founded19981981

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

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 Imago

  • Geological database
  • Drill hole management
  • Sample tracking
  • Data validation
  • Reporting tools
  • Vulcan
  • Excel
  • GIS systems

Only in UDEC

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

Both cover

  • Leapfrog
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Imago

  • Digitising and managing drill core photographynot UDEC
  • Linking core imagery to geological logging datanot UDEC
  • Streaming high-resolution core imagery into Leapfrog modelsnot UDEC
  • Sharing geoscientific imagery across a distributed exploration teamnot UDEC
  • Capturing core images in the field with the mobile appnot UDEC

UDEC

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

Where each one falls short

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

Imago

  • Now a Seequent product rather than an independent one, so it sits inside that ecosystem and its own domain no longer resolves
  • Capturing images at quality expects the Capture X software driving a camera rig, so it is not purely a software purchase

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

Imago

On request
  • Imago Professional$6500/year
    • Database management
    • Drill hole tracking
    • Sample management

UDEC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Imago if

  • You need geological database.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drill hole management.
Imago 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 Imago or UDEC better?
Neither clearly leads. Imago 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, Imago or UDEC?
Imago starts at On request and UDEC at On request.
Does Imago or UDEC run on more platforms?
Imago runs on Windows. UDEC runs on Windows, Linux.
What is Imago best used for?
Imago is most often used for digitising and managing drill core photography, linking core imagery to geological logging data, streaming high-resolution core imagery into leapfrog models, sharing geoscientific imagery across a distributed exploration team. Of those, digitising and managing drill core photography and linking core imagery to geological logging data are not what UDEC is typically brought in for.
What can Imago do that UDEC cannot?
Imago covers Geological database, Drill hole management, Sample tracking, Data validation. UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Both handle Leapfrog, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Imago

More on UDEC

Keep looking

Other head to heads