SmartPIV vs Vector Field
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SmartPIV
This application allows users to determine flow velocity in a PIV setup, replacing traditional camera and analysis software. It visually displays current analysis results through velocity vectors for easy understanding of flow development. Designed to be simple, mobile, and convenient, it offers a low-cost and intuitive alternative for hands-on training.
- Determine flow velocity in PIV setups
- Visualize flow with velocity vectors
- Replaces traditional camera and analysis software
- Low-cost and intuitive application
- Mobile and convenient for hands-on training
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DETERMINE FLOW VELOCITY SmartPIV enables you to determine flow velocity within a PIV setup (particle imaging velocimetry). The expected experimental setup of the PIV System consists of a flow channel and a laser illuminated current enriched with particles. In this setup, SmartPIV replaces the traditional camera and analysis software. VIVID VISUALIZATION VIA VELOCITY VECTORS Current analysis results are graphically displayed via velocity vectors, allowing for an easy retracing of a current's development. SIMPLE, MOBILE AND CONVENIENT In contrast to conventional PIV systems, SmartPIV is low-cost and more intuitive in its application. ABOUT US We are a team of three students and two professors developing this application for hands-on training in the domain of thermodynamics at universities and beyond. If you have feedback or questions about the app, just write us. PRIVACY POLICY & IMPRESS: https://smartpiv.app/impress/
Vector Field
Visualize mathematical vector fields with animated particles in 2D, 3D, or spherical spaces. Input custom equations and adjust simulation parameters in real-time to explore dynamical systems and mathematical patterns interactively.
- 2D, 3D, and spherical vector field visualization
- Customizable dx, dy, dz equations
- Adjustable particle speed, density, and colors
- Time-dependent field animation
- Interactive 3D view rotation
- Real-time rendering powered by Metal
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Vector Field lets you create and visualize mathematical vector fields with thousands of animated particles. Enter your own equations, adjust the simulation instantly, and watch how particles move through 2D, 3D, or spherical spaces. Whether you are studying differential equations, experimenting with dynamical systems, teaching vector calculus, or simply exploring mathematical patterns, Vector Field turns equations into interactive motion. Features: • Visualize vector fields in 2D, 3D, and on a sphere • Define custom dx, dy, and dz equations using x, y, z, and time t • Use built-in function presets or save your own • Adjust particle speed, density, lifetime, colors, and ranges • Animate time-dependent fields • Normalize vectors to focus on direction • Rotate 3D views interactively • Powered by Metal for smooth real-time rendering • Create, tweak, and discover vector fields directly from your device.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: SmartPIV at 5.0 against Vector Field's 4.5. SmartPIV also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Vector Field's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SmartPIV holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively.
SmartPIV ships an update every 7 months, Vector Field every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmartPIV | Vector Field |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | 4.5 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 62.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 35 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Patrick Maeder | Eliott Morgensztern |
Customer experience
SmartPIV
Vector Field
In-app purchases
SmartPIV
No in-app purchases
Vector Field
No in-app purchases







