Feature Leapfrog Geo (Seequent) Surfer (Golden Software)
Designed originally for 2D mapping, now
Designed for true 3D geological modeling
includes 3D surface and volume
of volumes and structures. Supports
visualization. Can grid XYZC data into 3D
implicit modeling of surfaces/volumes
3D Modeling voxel models and display as isosurfaces or
(veins, faults, stratigraphy) with dynamic
& blocks. Great for visualizing numeric data
updates. Advanced 3D visualization (rotate,
Visualization (surfaces, plumes) with slicing and basic
slice, multiple 3D scenes, movie export)
volume rendering, but lacks built-in
tailored to geology. Excels at geologically
geologic rules (no automatic fault or
realistic models.
stratigraphic modeling).
Intuitive for geologists: workflow-driven Very user-friendly for general mapping
interface with logical, geology-specific tasks. GUI is straightforward; users can
tools. Short learning curve for basic use produce maps quickly without specialized
(fundamentals in days per Seequent) . training. New 3D features add slight
Ease of Use
Some complexity due to advanced features, complexity, but overall low barrier to
but highly visual and interactive, reducing entry, even for non-geologists (commonly
need for coding. Geology background used by environmental scientists,
needed to fully leverage it. engineers, etc.).
Broad generic format support: reads XYZ
Broad geoscience data support: drillhole
data (CSV, XLSX), Surfer/ESRI grids,
databases (CSV, ODBC, acQuire), GIS
images (PNG, JPG, GeoTIFF), vectors
data (Shapefiles, grids – including Surfer.
(SHP, DXF). Can ingest drillhole data via
grd), CAD meshes/lines (DXF, DWG),
Data structured tables (but no direct link to
geophysical grids, and integration with
Integration geology databases). Exports to common
Seequent’s ecosystem (Central, MX
formats (DXF, SHP, 3D PDF) for use in
Deposit, etc.) . Built to be a central
other software. Good interoperability with
repository of geological data; easy
GIS/CAD; integration is mostly manual
import/export to common mining formats.
(via files) rather than live links.
Rich suite of gridding methods: Kriging
(with variogram modeling) is default, plus
Geology-focused interpolation: implicit
IDW, natural neighbor, minimum
modeling (RBF) for geology; supports
curvature, radial basis, polynomial
Kriging, IDW, etc., with anisotropy and
regression, etc. Very flexible for different
domain control. Provides exploratory data
data sets. Great for creating smooth
analysis and indicator modeling for
Geostatistics surfaces or contour maps quickly.
geology. Add-on (Edge) gives full
However, interpolation is generic – user
variography and resource estimation
must impose any geological constraints
capabilities within the modeling workflow.
(e.g. add fault breaklines manually). Not
Ensures interpolations honor geological
meant for detailed resource estimations (no
boundaries and trends.
built-in variogram fitting UI beyond basic
needs).
External automation via scripting:
Automated internal workflow: dynamic
virtually any task can be scripted with
updates propagate changes automatically
Golden Software Scripter or using COM
(data edits update models) . Strong project
API (e.g. in Python) . Enables batch
management with version control via
processing and integration into custom
Central (collaboration and audit trails for
pipelines. No automatic update on data
Automation model evolution). No user scripting, but the
change (user must re-run or script it).
rule-based modeling reduces repetitive
Lacks built-in multi-user version control
tasks – the software “handles” a lot behind
(workflow is managed by saving project
the scenes. Ideal for iterative modeling in
files and using scripts). Great for users who
teams where keeping models up-to-date is
want to programmatically generate maps or
critical.
repeat processes across many projects.
Customizatio Limited to built-in capabilities; no public Highly customizable via scripts: users can
n API or plugin system. Users cannot extend create custom mapping routines, automate
styling, or integrate Surfer with other
functionality except by requesting features
software easily. Supports customization of
from the vendor. Customization is mainly
map appearance and outputs (templates,
adjusting model parameters and
custom color scales, etc.). No need to rely
visualization settings within the app.
on vendor for custom tasks – many can be
Reliable, but a “closed box.” (Ensures
accomplished with moderate scripting.
robustness but less flexible for
Lacks deeper plugin ecosystem but
unconventional uses.)
scripting covers most needs.
High-end pricing (enterprise level).
Subscription-only. Example: ~$147/day
with a $2,205/month cap per user for a Affordable pricing for individuals and
consultant license (roughly >$25k/year if teams. ~$100/month or $599/year per user
Cost
used full-time). Generally, requires on subscription; perpetual license ~$1,449
contacting sales for quotes; often bundled one-time + maintenance.
in enterprise deals. Extensions (Edge,
Hydro, etc.) cost extra.
Broad 2D/3D surface mapping across
environmental consulting, water
Complex 3D geology modeling in mining
resources (hydrology), geotechnical
(resource modeling, exploration),
engineering, geophysics, academic
geology (structural modeling, stratigraphy),
research, and general GIS/geospatial
civil engineering and environmental
projects. Used to create contour maps,
geology (subsurface models of sites,
DEM surfaces, contamination maps,
contamination plumes with Leapfrog
Use Cases reservoir depth maps, etc., and to visualize
Works), and geothermal energy. Excels
wells and survey data. Excels at quick
when you have lots of drillhole/data and
visualization and analysis of spatial data in
need a geologically consistent model for
many fields. Often used by consultants,
decision-making. Often adopted by mining
scientists, and engineers who need practical
companies, geological surveys, and
mapping tools (including some mining
specialized consulting firms.
users for supplementary mapping, but not
usually for full orebody modeling).
After checking with the geotechnical department, the features of Surfer are more
than enough at the moment. While Leapfrog could be an added value, its price out-
scales the benefits.
