How to Create a Route

This guide provides a basic introduction to creating routes with Ditch.  Ditch uses Smart Path™ technology to analyze billions of data points, including historical AIS data, NOAA depth soundings, and US Army Corps of Engineers surveys.  This gives you the safest, most efficient route when available. We deliberately use only recent data, so think of it as having years of local knowledge distilled into every journey, updated with the latest information.

Ready to plot your course? Let's get started!

Creating a Smart Path (our auto-route)

It’s as easy as dropping two waypoints on your chart, read below for the step by step guide or video tutorial here if you want to see it in action.

Step 1: Locate start and drop waypoint

  • Tap 'Nav Chart' in the bottom left corner of the app.

  • Locate your starting point on the chart.

  • Tap the screen and select ‘Route from here’. A green waypoint will appear.

Step 2: Locate destination and drop waypoint

  • Navigate to your desired destination on the chart.

  • Tap the screen, and your Smart Path will automatically generate!

  • Pro Tip: Dotted orange lines indicate slower parts of the route, such as no-wake zones.

Step 3: Save and enjoy

  • Tap either waypoint to open the menu.

  • Select ‘Save Route’ and give your route a name.

    • Don't forget: Unsaved routes will disappear, so make sure to save your route if you want to access it later.

  • Access all your saved routes anytime from the ‘Routes’ tab on the bottom toolbar. 

And did you know, you can view and edit your saved routes on both your mobile device and the Ditch Web App with the same log in details.

That's it! You're now ready to explore with the clarity and confidence that Ditch provides.

TIP: Why Didn't My Smart Path™ Generate?

At Ditch, we're committed to providing you routes based on verified data. This means that there might be instances where Smart Path™ doesn't generate a route. This could be due to a few reasons:

  • Location Limitations: Your starting point or destination might be outside our currently supported areas (primarily the USA), too far from navigable water, or the distance between them might exceed our route generation capabilities.

  • Data Availability: We rely on recent data, including historical AIS data from boats. In areas with limited AIS coverage (often where smaller boats without AIS transponders are prevalent), we may not have enough data to create a verified route. We prioritize quality over quantity, so we won't simply draw a straight line and risk your safety. We're actively working to enhance our algorithms to better utilize NOAA and USACE depth data in these areas, so you can expect improvements soon!

  • Data Gaps: Even within our coverage areas, there might be specific locations with insufficient data to ensure a safe and reliable route.

We're continuously working to expand our coverage and improve our data sources to provide you with the most comprehensive navigation experience possible. In the meantime, if Smart Path™ doesn't generate a route, we encourage you to explore alternative navigation methods and consult your charts for guidance.