6 January 2009
		Data Providers These are just some of the organisations that provide data to GIgateway™: The British Geological Survey exists to advance geoscientific knowledge of the United Kingdom landmass and its continental shelf by systematic surveying, long-term monitoring, effective data management and high-quality applied research. The BGS provides comprehensive, objective, impartial and up-to-date geoscientific information, advice and services, to the client and user community in the United Kingdom and overseas, enabling safe, sustainable and efficient choices to be made in managing the environment and utilising its resources, thereby contributing to national economic competitiveness, the effectiveness of public policy and the quality of life. A large part of their role is to disseminate information in the community, and promote the public understanding of science, to demonstrate the importance of geoscience to resource and environmental issues.   The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) is one of the Centres and Surveys of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is the leading UK body for research, survey and monitoring in terrestrial and freshwater environments. CEH has nearly 500 scientific staff, and well-equipped laboratories and field facilities at nine sites throughout the UK.   The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) was established by and for local government in April 1999. The Agency’s mission is to support self-sustaining improvement from within local government. As an advocate of the best in local government, the IDeA aims to deliver practical solutions to improve local government performance, develop innovative approaches to ensure the transfer of knowledge within local government, act on behalf of local government as a whole, building new platforms for joined-up, locally delivered services, employ first rate staff to meet the needs and priorities of our customers, and work with customers in a way which respects diversity and promotes equality.The IDeA are the data custodians for the Local Authority node. The IDeA is a not for profit organisation. All capital - both intellectual and financial – is ploughed straight back into local government. The Intra-governmental Group on Geographic Information was established in 1993 following the Chorley Report, to enable departments to liaise effectively and exchange best practice for geographic information. IGGI’s mission is to increase the efficiency of central government while enabling it to meet its responsibilities for provision of geographic information to the general public. Ordnance Survey is the internationally recognised market leader in its field. They offer a wide range of products, from traditional walking maps and road maps to the large-scale maps and digital products that now make up the largest part of their business. Although Ordnance Survey is a UK government agency, they cover their operating costs through sales of products, services and copyright licenses. In April 1999 they gained Trading Fund status, allowing greater responsibility over finances and planning, as well as extra freedom to develop new initiatives.
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