  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.
