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Software · head to head

Maptek I-Site vs PLAXIS

Maptek I-Site logo

Maptek I-Site

Software

3D laser scanning and point cloud processing

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PLAXIS logo

PLAXIS

Software

Finite element software for geotechnical analysis

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Maptek I-Site the workflow depends on buying Maptek laser scanner hardware, sold as the NS4, XR3, XR3-D and UR3 models; PLAXIS bentley states the cost of PLAXIS 2D, 2D Advanced, 2D Ultimate and the 2D WorkSuite varies per region, and publishes no rate on the product page
  • They diverge on capability: Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing, PLAXIS covers 2D & 3D finite element analysis.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Maptek I-Site and PLAXIS differ
AttributeMaptek I-SitePLAXIS
PlatformsWindowsWindows, Linux
Founded19811984

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 Maptek I-Site

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

Only in PLAXIS

  • 2D & 3D finite element analysis
  • Advanced soil modeling
  • Slope stability assessment
  • Excavation design
  • Support design
  • AutoCAD
  • GeoStudio
  • ArcGIS

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Maptek I-Site

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

PLAXIS

  • Finite element analysis of soil and rock deformation and stabilitynot Maptek I-Site
  • Designing excavations, tunnels, embankments and foundationsnot Maptek I-Site
  • Modelling groundwater flow, consolidation and seismic response in geotechnical worksnot Maptek I-Site

Where each one falls short

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

Maptek I-Site

  • The workflow depends on buying Maptek laser scanner hardware, sold as the NS4, XR3, XR3-D and UR3 models
  • Scanner range is fixed per model, at 1,000 m for the NS4, 2,800 m for the XR3, 1,200 m for the XR3-D and 3,500 m for the UR3, so range upgrades mean buying different hardware
  • No price, licence type or subscription term is published; the page offers only a spec sheet request and a contact form

PLAXIS

  • Bentley states the cost of PLAXIS 2D, 2D Advanced, 2D Ultimate and the 2D WorkSuite varies per region, and publishes no rate on the product page
  • Consolidation, creep, groundwater flow and heat flow require the Advanced edition rather than the base PLAXIS 2D
  • Dynamic, vibration and transient analysis require the Ultimate edition
  • A perpetual licence only carries support and licence exchange rights while a paid annual SELECT subscription is maintained
  • The Virtuoso subscription route is a 12 month lease, not an ongoing entitlement

Pricing, plan by plan

Maptek I-Site

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

PLAXIS

On request
  • PLAXIS 2D$16000/year
    • 2D finite element analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Mine design
  • PLAXIS 3D$28000/year
    • 3D finite element analysis
    • Complex geometry modeling
    • Advanced soil modeling

Which should you pick?

Choose Maptek I-Site if

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

Choose PLAXIS if

  • You need 2d & 3d finite element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want advanced soil modeling.
PLAXIS review

Questions people ask

Is Maptek I-Site or PLAXIS better?
Neither clearly leads. Maptek I-Site starts at On request and PLAXIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Maptek I-Site or PLAXIS?
Maptek I-Site starts at On request and PLAXIS at On request.
Does Maptek I-Site or PLAXIS run on more platforms?
Maptek I-Site runs on Windows. PLAXIS runs on Windows, Linux.
What is Maptek I-Site best used for?
Maptek I-Site is most often used for laser scanning surveys of open pit and underground mine workings, geotechnical monitoring of pit walls and slopes, volume and stockpile measurement from point cloud data. Of those, laser scanning surveys of open pit and underground mine workings and geotechnical monitoring of pit walls and slopes are not what PLAXIS is typically brought in for.
What can Maptek I-Site do that PLAXIS cannot?
Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing, 3D model creation, Pit wall monitoring, Stockpile measurement. PLAXIS covers 2D & 3D finite element analysis, Advanced soil modeling, Slope stability assessment, Excavation design. Both handle Windows support.
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