LSPIV vs SmartPIV
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Large-scale particle image velocimetry
- Water surface velocity measurement
- Non-intrusive velocimetry
- Smartphone implementation
- Instant ortho-rectification
- No GCPs required
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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.
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/
Screenshots
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
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.
| Parameter | LSPIV | SmartPIV |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | Every 7 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 71 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ryota Tsubaki | Patrick Maeder |
Customer experience
LSPIV
SmartPIV
In-app purchases
LSPIV
No in-app purchases
SmartPIV
No in-app purchases









