A major NGDF project under way is the NGDF Metadata project, which will set up a directory service to bring together through the Internet those who are providers of geospatial data with the users of such data. The project and the service are seen as central to government's role in making geospatial information more widespread. The NGDF Gateway is a pivotal component of the NGDF Metadata Project and is designed to co-ordinate direct access to the distributed network of NGDF directory systems throughout UK.