  Near-infrared surveys have very promising cosmological applications. The
DENIS 2 micron survey, currently in camera-testing, is scheduled to begin in
early 1995, and to map the entire southern sky in the $I$, $J$, and $K'$ bands.
The steps for the near-homogeneous extraction of $\sim 10^5$ galaxies are
outlined, some pitfalls are given, and the estimated limiting capabilities of
the survey are presented. A preliminary $J$-band image illustrates these
capabilities and some of the hidden pitfalls. The necessary spectroscopic
followup is shown to be feasible on a reasonably short timescale.
