Galactic Structure and Evolution: a decade of surveys

Surveys of the local and distant Universe are the means to test and improve our models of galaxy formation. Substantial successes in the models are evident, while there is also considerable recent progress in identifying what remains to be learned. The key weaknesses of present models are related to merging histories, and small-scale structures, which are both significantly at variance with observations. Observers are polite, and often emphasise their agreements with models. Data are objective, and show us the way to focus future surveys, to allow improved understanding and knowledge.