Mining & Resources · head to head
UDEC vs IHS Markit Petra
U
UDEC
Mining & Resources
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
IHS Markit Petra
Mining & Resources
Geological interpretation and mapping software
- 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; 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).
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, IHS Markit Petra covers Well log analysis.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and IHS Markit Petra actually diverge.
| Attribute | UDEC | IHS Markit Petra |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Founded | 1981 | 1959 |
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 UDEC
- Distinct element modeling
- Joint network modeling
- Block interaction analysis
- Support interaction
- Dynamic analysis
- FLAC3D
- 3DEC
- Leapfrog
Only in IHS Markit Petra
- Well log analysis
- Cross-section creation
- Contour mapping
- Formation tops
- Volumetric calculations
- Kingdom
- ArcGIS
- Petrel
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 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
IHS Markit Petra
- Well log interpretationnot UDEC
- Geological mappingnot UDEC
- Exploration analysisnot UDEC
- Formation evaluationnot UDEC
- Resource assessmentnot 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
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).
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
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
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose IHS Markit Petra if
- You need well log analysis.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want cross-section creation.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or IHS Markit Petra better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and IHS Markit Petra at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or IHS Markit Petra?
- UDEC starts at On request and IHS Markit Petra at On request.
- Does UDEC or IHS Markit Petra run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. IHS Markit Petra 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 IHS Markit Petra is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that IHS Markit Petra cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. IHS Markit Petra covers Well log analysis, Cross-section creation, Contour mapping, Formation tops. Both handle Windows support.