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Mining · head to head

Maptek I-Site vs Rhino 3D

Maptek I-Site logo

Maptek I-Site

Mining

3D laser scanning and point cloud processing

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rhino 3D logo

Rhino 3D

CAD

3D computer graphics and CAD application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Rhino 3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Maptek I-Site no pricing information published on product page, requiring direct contact with Maptek sales for quotes; Rhino 3D windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support
  • They diverge on capability: Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing, Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Maptek I-Site and Rhino 3D actually diverge.

Attributes where Maptek I-Site and Rhino 3D differ
AttributeMaptek I-SiteRhino 3D
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindowsWindows, Mac, iOS
CategoryMiningCAD
Founded19811980

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Rhino 3D

  • NURBS modeling
  • Surface modeling
  • 3D visualization
  • Grasshopper
  • Rendering
  • Grasshopper
  • KeyShot
  • V-Ray

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 Rhino 3D
  • Geotechnical monitoring of pit walls and slopesnot Rhino 3D
  • Volume and stockpile measurement from point cloud datanot Rhino 3D

Rhino 3D

  • NURBS-based 3D modelling for product design and engineeringnot Maptek I-Site
  • Precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery)not Maptek I-Site
  • Generative design with Grasshopper visual programmingnot Maptek I-Site
  • Mesh editing and point cloud processingnot 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

  • 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

Rhino 3D

  • Windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support
  • Performance depends on hardware capabilities; complex projects require better equipment
  • Pre-release/Work-in-Progress builds may contain bugs and are not production ready

Pricing, plan by plan

Maptek I-Site

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

Rhino 3D

Free
  • EvaluationFree
    • 90-day trial
    • All features included
    • No credit card required
  • Student License$195/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Support included
    • Service releases
  • Commercial License$995/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Support included
    • Service releases
  • Student Upgrade$95/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Requires prior license key
    • Support included

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 Rhino 3D if

  • You need nurbs modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, iOS.
  • You also want surface modeling.
Rhino 3D review

Questions people ask

Is Maptek I-Site or Rhino 3D better?
Neither clearly leads. Maptek I-Site starts at On request and Rhino 3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Maptek I-Site or Rhino 3D?
Rhino 3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Maptek I-Site and Free for Rhino 3D.
Does Maptek I-Site or Rhino 3D run on more platforms?
Maptek I-Site runs on Windows. Rhino 3D runs on Windows, Mac, iOS.
Can I use Rhino 3D for free?
Yes. Rhino 3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Maptek I-Site starts at On request.
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 Rhino 3D is typically brought in for.
What can Maptek I-Site do that Rhino 3D cannot?
Maptek I-Site covers Point cloud processing, 3D model creation, Pit wall monitoring, Stockpile measurement. Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Surface modeling, 3D visualization, Grasshopper. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Rhino 3D: How much does Rhino 3D cost?

Student licenses cost EUR 195, commercial licenses cost EUR 995. Both are perpetual one-time purchases. Upgrades from prior versions cost EUR 95 for students and EUR 595 for commercial users.

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
Rhino 3D: Is there a free trial?

Yes, a 90-day evaluation license is available free with no credit card required. Full features are included and commercial use is allowed.

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
Rhino 3D: Can Rhino 3D licenses be shared across multiple users?

Commercial versions support floating licenses that can be shared. Student licenses are limited to single-user perpetual licenses. All licenses include support and service releases.

Source
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