NEDI is intended to provide distributed access to existing environmental information locator systems that describe data holdings (metadata databases); it is not intended to develop new or duplicative standards or software. Hence the following design principles have been adopted:

1. Support multiple metadata standards (DIF, Spatial Metadata Standard, USMARC, GILS core, and others).

2. Use Internet and other communication links, as needed.

3. Develop the system as a distributed data index keeping the data descriptions close to the originating organization for efficient and routine updating.

4. Support distributed searches (through FIPS 192/Z39.50).

5. Use existing standards and off-the-shelf software (Candidates include WAIS, World-Wide-Web, Mosaic, Lynx).

6. Support multiple interfaces to span the range of user needs. This includes graphical interfaces for the high-end user, terminal interfaces for the dial-up user and support for braille and voice for users who are visually impaired.

7. Allow for multiple access points to NEDI