# Ditch Assist

> Ditch Assist™ is an RTK GPS grade control and guidance system for farm drainage, land forming, and excavator work, built by Northern Plains Drainage Systems in Manitoba, Canada (field-proven since 2014). One Android app runs all eight workflow modes — Ditching, Terracing, Land Forming, Simple Grading, Tiling, Leveling, Levee & Contour guidance, and Excavator guidance — with no subscription and no per-mode activation. It works with any NMEA-compliant RTK GPS receiver.

Key facts:
- Two hardware paths: the Automation Kit / Guidance Kit for implements (scrapers, ditchers, tile plows, blades, land levelers), and the DIG™ kit for excavators and backhoes (bucket-to-grade guidance — guidance only, the operator runs the hydraulics; it does not automate them).
- The app is free with every kit and includes every mode, all design engines (Slope-IQ™, Tile-Best-Fit), and design import for AGD, LandXML, XYZ/XYZP, OptiSurface™, Ezigrade™, and Topcon AGForm-3D™ files.
- LiDAR Drainage Mapping (flow routes, ponding, depression maps) is included free — full US coverage, major Canadian ag regions.
- Compatible RTK: any NMEA-compliant receiver (Trimble, John Deere, Topcon, Hemisphere, Emlid, u-blox-based). Affordable Emlid Reach RS4/RS3 bundles available.
- Runs in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.

## Products
- [Implement grade control kits](https://www.ditchassist.com/ditch-assist.html): Automation Kit (drives implement hydraulics) and Guidance Kit (on-screen feedback; also drives factory PWM valves such as Soil-Max Stealth ZD™).
- [DIG excavator guidance kit](https://www.ditchassist.com/ditch-assist-dig.html): IP67 stick/bucket sensors + RTK for live bucket-tip elevation on any excavator or backhoe.
- [Compare the kits](https://www.ditchassist.com/compare.html): honest side-by-side, including what Ditch Assist is not.
- [Which kit do I need?](https://www.ditchassist.com/which-system.html): scenario-based decision helper.
- [Emlid RTK bundles](https://www.ditchassist.com/emlid-rtk.html): optional RS4/RS3 base-rover packages.
- [LiDAR Drainage Mapping](https://www.ditchassist.com/idm.html): flow, ponding, and depression maps for any field.

## Modes
- [Ditching](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/ditching.html): RTK surface-drainage grade control with Slope-IQ™ design and Auto-Nudge™ passes.
- [Terracing](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/terracing.html): from version 1.4.1, one-survey Simple Maintenance; full channel + berm survey, design, and volume analysis for construction or major rebuilds.
- [Land Forming](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/land-forming.html): execute imported 3D designs (AGD, LandXML, XYZP, OptiSurface, Ezigrade, AGForm-3D).
- [Simple Grading](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/simple-grading.html): one constant slope, survey optional — replaces the laser tripod.
- [Tiling](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/tiling.html): depth-constrained tile design with Automatic Rock Hit Recovery.
- [Leveling](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/leveling.html): flat pads at one target elevation.
- [Levee & Contour](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/levee-contour.html): steer-only guidance along constant-elevation contours.
- [Excavator](https://www.ditchassist.com/modes/excavator.html): live bucket grade for excavators and backhoes via DIG™.

## Resources
- [The app](https://www.ditchassist.com/app.html): Android download and install guide.
- [App simulator](https://www.ditchassist.com/app-simulator/): try the real app in a browser, no login or hardware.
- [Training videos](https://www.ditchassist.com/videos.html)
- [Support & manuals](https://www.ditchassist.com/support.html)
- [AI Support beta](https://www.ditchassist.com/ai-support.html): consent-gated text, two-way voice, and selected still-frame support; it does not control machinery or receive native video.
- [Find a dealer](https://www.ditchassist.com/dealers.html)
- [Get a quote](https://www.ditchassist.com/get-a-quote.html): pricing is quoted per machine and RTK setup; no subscription, one-time purchase.