  The space density of white dwarfs is highly uncertain even nearby. This
results from the fact that the known sample of white dwarfs is largely
incomplete in part because most white dwarfs have been discovered as
by-products in non-dedicated surveys. In order to obtain more accurate white
dwarf space densities and scale heights we must build up a complete sample of
white dwarfs. The European Galactic Plane Surveys (EGAPS) are the best database
to search for white dwarfs as they will provide broad band (U, g', r', i') and
narrow band (Halpha and HeI) measurements for one per cent of all the stars in
the Galaxy. By looking at the Galactic Plane, where most stars are, we ensure
that we are obtaining a complete sample. The space densities obtained from
EGAPS can then be compared with those found in high latitude surveys such as
the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The methods used to identify white dwarfs
using the colours available in EGAPS are described and some preliminary results
presented.
