  Galaxy groups have been under-studied relative to their richer counterparts
-- clusters. The Group Evolution Multiwavelength Study (GEMS) aims to redress
some the balance. Here we describe the GEMS sample selection and resulting
sample of 60 nearby (distance < 130 Mpc) galaxy groups and our multiwavelength
dataset of X-ray, optical and HI imaging. ROSAT X-ray images of each group are
presented. GEMS also utilizes near-infrared imaging from the 2MASS survey and
optical spectra from the 6dFGS. These observational data are complemented by
mock group catalogues generated from the latest LCDM simulations with gas
physics included. Existing GEMS publications are briefly highlighted as are
future publication plans.
