Who We Are
ForeSite is a digital mapping company offering base maps to the landscape design industry. We utilize all available technologies to create the most advanced, accurate, simple to use, comprehensive, and affordable base maps in the Bay Area.
Founded and run by professional designers, land-use professionals, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, we use our own maps on a regular basis.
Founded and run by professional designers, land-use professionals, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, we use our own maps on a regular basis.
Erik Ohlsen
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Erik is one of the original founders of ForeSite Mapping, and now plays a minimal role as a consultant. He is also the Executive Director of the Permaculture Skills Center, a vocational training school that offers advanced training in ecological design, landscaping, farming and land stewardship. Erik is also the Owner/Principal at Permaculture Artisans, a fully licensed contracting firm specializing in the design and installation of ecological landscapes and farms throughout California.
Erik is an internationally renowned certified permaculture designer/practitioner and certified permaculture teacher. He is a well-known and seasoned community organizer, and has been working within permaculture and community movements since 1998. In the field of ecological land development and management, Erik has extensive experience with projects that range from small urban lots to 100+ broadacre design and implementation. His many years of experience observing and listening to landscape patterns, and managing installation crews and design teams, have led to an extensive knowledge of all aspects of ecological land development and planning. He is a specialist in water harvesting systems, food forest design, community organizing, facilitation, vocational education and much more. Erik is known for his ability to inspire masses of people through his teaching style and ability to weave together complex issues into cohesive narratives that can be acted upon. Erik has worked throughout the world and currently resides in Sebastopol, California; managing his homestead, running his businesses and raising his young family. |
Sebastian Bertsch
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An original founder of ForeSite, Sebastian has moved into new vistas. He still offers technical consultations when needed. With an education in historical fabrication and agriculture, and a grounding in the Maker ethos from being an early manager at TechShop in the Silicon Valley, he aims to empower landowners and stewards to regenerate their resource and energy cycles. Leveraging advances in GIS, mapping technologies, and modeling systems like 3D printing, Sebastian strives to bring new forms of land assessment and design to the rapidly expanding regeneration-minded community. |
Devan Hemmings
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Devan is the Lead Cartographer at Foresite Mapping, and the current owner and operator. Along with a background in landscaping and construction, and a knowledge of mapping systems, Devan has an applied education that makes digital mapping come second nature. In 2012, He completed a bachelors of science degree in natural resources planning & interpretation from Humboldt State University and a minor in appropriate technologies. In his studies, he learned many of the skills such as GIS, and CAD needed for cartography that he brings to the table today. Having worked in the landscaping business first hand for over 10 years, and with a background in design, Devan understands what designers need from a landscape base map. His maps are detailed, accurate, and visually intuitive. |