360 Panoramic Imagery Mapping with Ben Fowler

In this episode, host Joe Burgett welcomes Ben Fowler, founder, and CEO of PARKS360, to discuss how drone technology is transforming outdoor recreation research and asset assessment. Ben shares how he utilizes 360-degree panoramic imagery mapping to support natural resource management and improve park infrastructure.

Ben also dives into his background in outdoor guiding, his academic journey, and his experiences traveling across the U.S. while running his drone business. He recounts his entry into the drone service provider network (Fly Guys), his first high-stakes RTK mission at a quarry near Atlanta airport, and other unique drone projects. Throughout the conversation, he offers insights into the risks and rewards of launching a drone business and shares valuable advice you don’t want to miss for those looking to break into the UAS industry.

About Ben Fowler

Ben is the founder and CEO of PARKS360, an outdoor recreation research tech and consulting start-up focused on data-driven solutions for managers of parks, rivers, and other protected areas. Ben received his Part 107 in 2023 after completing Clemson's UAS Vocation program under Dr. Joe Burgett and purchased his first drone, a Mavic 3 Enterprise, a few weeks later.

Ben has since acquired approximately 50 hours of project flight time and has flown around the United States and internationally in Germany, providing data for a variety of projects with Terrain360, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Iowa DNR, City of Lebanon, TN, and FlyGuys. He specializes in 360-degree, panoramic imagery mapping and recreational inventory and asset assessment.

Ben builds his academic and research interests from international travel and lived experiences working as a professional outdoor guide as well as a Trip Leader for Outdoor Recreation Programs at UNC-Asheville, University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech. From 2014-2017, he served as the Director of Stewardship for the Georgia Conservancy (non-profit) and its statewide environmental trips program. Since May of 2024, Ben has been living out of a 28ft travel trailer with his wife and two young boys traveling the United States, moving from project to project, and documenting outdoor recreation resources anywhere he can fly.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• 2026 Project Calendar: email proposals and project ideas to ben@parks360.io
• Terrain360

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

• ClemsonDrone.com
• Facebook: Clemson Drone
• LinkedIn: Clemson Drone
• Instagram: Clemson Drone Course
  
  

Contact Ben Fowler | PARKS360:

• Website: parks360.com
• Instagram: Parks360
• LinkedIn: the Ben Fowler