The DCIP3D is a program that performs forward modelling and inversion of DC resistivity and IP data over a 3D distribution of electrical conductivity and chargeability.

The programs in the library work with data that are acquired using general electrode configurations and at arbitrary observation locations either on the earth's surface or in a borehole. 3D surface topography is also fully incorporated in the modelling and inversion.

DCIP3D is one of the most advanced 3D inversion codes available in the public domain and can be used to invert complex surveys in variable topographic conditions.

The research was funded principally by the mineral industry consortium "3D Inversion of DC Resistivity and IP Data" which was sponsored by the Canadian National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the following 7 companies: Placer Dome, BHP Minerals, Cominco Exploration, Falconbridge, INCO Exploration & Technical Services, Newmont Gold Company and Rio Tinto.

Unlike other UBC-GIF codes, there is no graphical user interface for running the DCIP3D forward or inversion codes. However the UBC-GIF utility MeshTools3D can be used to view 3D models of conductivity or chargeability. MeshTools3D can also build 3D synthetic blocky models.

Carrying out 3D forward modelling and inversion is non-trivial. There are no tutorials for using this code. However there is a complete technical manual in PDF format which includes examples of results. There is also a paper entitled 2-D and 3-D IP/resistivity inversion for the interpretation of Mt Isa-style targets.

Profile Analyst can be used for visualisation of the inversion results and hence the inclusion of other geological and geophysical data.