Mining & Resources · head to head
UDEC vs Imago
U
UDEC
Mining & Resources
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Imago
Mining & Resources
Geological database and exploration management
- 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; Imago now a Seequent product rather than an independent one, so it sits inside that ecosystem and its own domain no longer resolves
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Imago covers Geological database.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and Imago actually diverge.
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
- AutoCAD
Only in Imago
- Geological database
- Drill hole management
- Sample tracking
- Data validation
- Reporting tools
- Vulcan
- Excel
- GIS systems
Both cover
- Leapfrog
- 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 Imago
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot Imago
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot Imago
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
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
Imago
On request- Imago Professional$6500/year
- Database management
- Drill hole tracking
- Sample management
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose Imago if
- You need geological database.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want drill hole management.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or Imago better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and Imago at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or Imago?
- UDEC starts at On request and Imago at On request.
- Does UDEC or Imago run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. Imago 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 Imago is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that Imago cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Imago covers Geological database, Drill hole management, Sample tracking, Data validation. Both handle Leapfrog, Windows support.