The National Geospatial Data Framework (NGDF) was an initiative launched at AGI '95. Following an encouraging reception, work began to further refine NGDF and suggest a practical and effective method of implementation. A well attended seminar was held in June 1996 at which key players discussed and agreed a way forward and a progress report was presented at AGI '96, which outlined the recommended way forward and raised some key issues to be addressed by NGDF.
Progress was initially slow, both due to differences in opinion over the strategic direction for NGDF, and a lack of funds and resources to carry out the work. A workshop was held in April 1998 to try to resolve these issues and as a result, the NGDF Strategic Plan was developed.
Once the Strategic Direction for NGDF had been defined, the NGDF Management Board could then bid for funds to support the development of the initiative.
In Autumn 1998, Ordnance Survey was successful in obtaining funds from the National Interest Mapping Service Level Agreement (NIMSA) to establish a Central Management Team (CMT) to manage the programme of work and promote NGDF.
In January 1999, Ordnance Survey was also successful in obtaining funds from the Invest to Save budget being provided by treasury to help develop projects which would bring together two or more public service bodies to deliver services in an innovative and more efficient fashion.
With these funds NGDF is now in a position to realise its Strategic Goals.