About Northern Plains Drainage Systems
Innovating agricultural drainage and precision technology since 2012
Our Story
Northern Plains Drainage Systems Ltd is a Manitoba-based company that has been at the forefront of agricultural drainage innovation since 2012. What began as a focused RTK topographic survey service for agricultural water management has evolved into a comprehensive technology and service provider serving clients across North America.
Our Founders
Simon Knutson
GIS & Technology Specialist, Inventor
Simon brings deep expertise in geographic information systems and technology innovation. As the technical visionary behind Ditch Assist and our mapping platforms, he has pioneered affordable precision agriculture solutions that have transformed how farmers and municipalities approach drainage management.
Joel Classen
Farmer & Agricultural Engineer
Joel combines hands-on farming experience with engineering expertise. His practical understanding of agricultural challenges and innovative problem-solving approach has been instrumental in developing solutions that truly meet the needs of working farmers and drainage professionals.
Our Journey
The Beginning
Northern Plains Drainage Systems Ltd was founded in Manitoba, providing RTK topographic survey services primarily for agricultural water management design.
Municipal Expansion
Expanded into the municipal drainage survey market, growing to become the largest and most respected municipal survey business in Manitoba.
Ditch Assist Innovation
Invented and launched Ditch Assist, our proprietary machine control system for scrapers, land levelers, ditchers, and other earthmoving equipment.
Emlid Partnership
Began working with Emlid products as a more affordable RTK solution for customers to pair with Ditch Assist, eventually becoming one of the largest volume sellers of Emlid GNSS in Canada and the US.
Digital Mapping Platform
Launched our extensive online elevation and drainage mapping portal, covering tens of millions of acres across North America.
Full-Service Solutions
Operating a comprehensive suite of services including tile drainage equipment sales, project consulting, custom software development, and our family grain farm near Elm Creek, MB.
What We Do
RTK Survey Services
Professional topographic surveying for agricultural water management and municipal drainage projects across Manitoba.
Ditch Assist Systems
Our proprietary machine control system for scrapers, land levelers, ditchers, and earthmoving equipment.
Emlid GNSS Solutions
Affordable, high-precision RTK positioning systems perfectly paired with Ditch Assist technology.
Elevation Mapping Portal
Extensive online platform providing elevation and drainage mapping data covering tens of millions of acres in North America.
Tile Drainage Equipment
Sales and consulting services for tile drainage equipment and project implementation.
Custom Software Development
Bespoke software solutions tailored to meet specific client needs in agriculture and surveying.
From our family farm near Elm Creek, Manitoba, we continue to innovate and serve the agricultural community with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise. Whether you're looking for precision survey services, advanced machine control systems, or comprehensive drainage solutions, Northern Plains Drainage Systems is your trusted partner in agricultural excellence.