  The Ks magnitude distribution of asymptotic giant branch stars provides
important constraints on the spatial variation of metallicity and mean-age of
the stellar population of galaxies. Here, I present results of the
investigation of these parameters across the Magellanic Clouds, M33, NGC 6822
and SagDIG and I discuss the tremendous improvement that new wide-field
near-infrared instruments (i.e. VISTA) will provide on our understanding of the
global intrinsic as well as dynamical history of these systems.
