Ditch Assist can import a land forming design file in tab-delimited text format and use this to implement a design created using a desktop software. Information on required file format and specification, as well as a sample file can be found here.


How to import a design file


  1. Download the design file onto your Android tablet. The easiest way to do this is to email it to yourself as an attachment and open the email on the tablet. Save the file to the Downloads folder on the tablet.
  2. In the Ditch Assist App, tap the Manage Layers button, then tap Add

  3. Select XYZ Design File from the dropdown


  4. On most devices, the Downloads folder is located in the SD CARD directory (even though you may not actually have an SD card inserted in your device). Scroll down to locate the directory and tap on it

  5. Then browse to Download, and look for your text file


  6. Once you've added the text file, you will see it added to the active layers


  7. Either press the Back Button on the tablet or tap on the screen away from the Manage Layers box

  8. After a few seconds, a box will appear confirming that Ditch Assist has recognised the file as a design, and asking if you wish to implement it. For bigger files, it may take up to 30 seconds, any longer and either your file isn't formatted correctly, or it contains too many points for the app to process. Press Yes

  9. You have now loaded the design file into the grading engine, and Ditch Assist will use the values from the design to determine the target elevations based on your position. 

  10. At this point, it's a good idea to confirm that your current GPS calibrations line up with the original survey, otherwise the design may not be implemented as required. Read this article for more explanation and for the procedure to calibrate to a survey benchmark.

  11. Once you have calibrated your incoming GPS measurements to match the original survey (or confirmed that they match the original survey), you are ready to start working. Simply tap Start on the Grading Screen to begin. Ditch Assist will begin to compute the required implement heights and will control the hydraulics accordingly

  12. Use the Nudge buttons as needed to stop you cutting too much on the first passes. As you work, you will be able to see where you still need to cut more (red dots), where you met the target (green dots), and where you may need to add more fill (yellow dots). HINT: To enable dropping of yellow dots go to settings and check the box for Over-depth Marker