AbstractRecent optical and near-infrared surveys have considerably improved our knowledge of galactic structure and galactic evolution. Two ways can be used to infer this knowledge from datasets: either inversing the data to get parameters describing the Galaxy, or using a synthetic approaches to test scenarios of formation and theoretical models for star and galaxy formation and evolution, both approaches being complementary. Using the synthetic approach the Besancon Galaxy model allows to test scenarios for the structure and evolution of the Galaxy by comparing simulations with the survey data. Examples are given using the 2MASS survey. Future uses of astrometric survey data are shown to be able to efficiently constrain the kinematics and dynamics of the Galaxy.