Comparison

LSPIV vs SmartPIV

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

LSPIV

This application enables large-scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) using a smartphone. It offers a non-intrusive method for measuring water surface velocity distribution in both field and lab settings. The app provides instant ortho-rectification of captured images without needing ground control points.

Highlights
  • Large-scale particle image velocimetry
  • Water surface velocity measurement
  • Non-intrusive velocimetry
  • Smartphone implementation
  • Instant ortho-rectification
  • No GCPs required
Features
Read full description

LSPIV (large-scale particle image velocimetry) is an image-based method for measuring velocity distribution on the water surface. Applications of LSPIV have been increasing for both field and laboratory experiments as unique and powerful tools for non-intrusive velocimetry using conventional imaging devices and specialized image processing software. This app utilizes a smartphone to implement LSPIV. By innovatively combining the sensors embedded in smartphones, the images captured with them can be intrinsically and instantly ortho-rectified without making recourse to GCPs. The app was developed under support by the River Fund in charge of the Foundation of River and Watershed Environment Management (FOREM), Japan; Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B); and the Research Fund of Japan Institute of Country-ology and Engineering.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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/

Screenshots

LSPIV1 screens
SmartPIV4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: LSPIV at 11.0 against SmartPIV's 13.0. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for LSPIV against 5.0 for SmartPIV. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LSPIV ships an update every 13 months, SmartPIV every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
LSPIV versus SmartPIV: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLSPIVSmartPIV
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 13 monthsEvery 7 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyota TsubakiPatrick Maeder

Customer experience

LSPIV

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

SmartPIV

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

LSPIV

No in-app purchases

None

SmartPIV

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LSPIV free?
LSPIV is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SmartPIV free?
SmartPIV is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, LSPIV or SmartPIV?
LSPIV and SmartPIV are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do LSPIV or SmartPIV have ads?
Neither LSPIV nor SmartPIV shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LSPIV or SmartPIV?
LSPIV ships an update every 13 months, and SmartPIV every 7 months. Most recently, LSPIV was updated on October 5, 2026 and SmartPIV on October 17, 2026.

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