Mining & Resources · head to head
UDEC vs GEOVIA GEMS
U
UDEC
Mining & Resources
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
GEOVIA GEMS
Mining & Resources
Comprehensive geology and mine planning solution
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store; GEOVIA GEMS the GEOVIA portfolio page on 3ds.com lists Surpac, MineSched, Whittle and Services but does not name GEMS or any of its editions, and no page found for GEMS itself publishes a figure or a named tier
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, GEOVIA GEMS covers Geological modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and GEOVIA GEMS actually diverge.
| Attribute | UDEC | GEOVIA GEMS |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining & Resources), 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 UDEC
- Distinct element modeling
- Joint network modeling
- Block interaction analysis
- Support interaction
- Dynamic analysis
- FLAC3D
- 3DEC
- Leapfrog
Only in GEOVIA GEMS
- Geological modeling
- Multi-element analysis
- Resource estimation
- Mine planning
- Reserve reporting
- MineSched
- Whittle
- Surpac
Both cover
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
UDEC
- Two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rocknot GEOVIA GEMS
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot GEOVIA GEMS
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot GEOVIA GEMS
GEOVIA GEMS
- Complex deposit modelingnot UDEC
- Multi-element estimationnot UDEC
- Strategic planningnot UDEC
- Reserve calculationsnot UDEC
- Compliance reportingnot UDEC
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
GEOVIA GEMS
- The GEOVIA portfolio page on 3ds.com lists Surpac, MineSched, Whittle and Services but does not name GEMS or any of its editions, and no page found for GEMS itself publishes a figure or a named tier
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
GEOVIA GEMS
On request- GEMS Core$10000/year
- Geological modeling
- Data management
- 3D visualization
- GEMS Professional$18000/year
- Advanced geostatistics
- Mine design
- Multi-element modeling
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose GEOVIA GEMS if
- You need geological modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want multi-element analysis.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or GEOVIA GEMS better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and GEOVIA GEMS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or GEOVIA GEMS?
- UDEC starts at On request and GEOVIA GEMS at On request.
- Does UDEC or GEOVIA GEMS run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. GEOVIA GEMS runs on Windows.
- What is UDEC best used for?
- UDEC is most often used for two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock, assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations, simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnelling. Of those, two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock and assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations are not what GEOVIA GEMS is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that GEOVIA GEMS cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. GEOVIA GEMS covers Geological modeling, Multi-element analysis, Resource estimation, Mine planning. Both handle Windows support.