The Royal Danish Geographical Society (RDGS, ) is a scientific society aimed at furthering the knowledge of the Earth and its inhabitants and to disseminate interest in the science of geography. It was founded 18 November 1876 on the initiative of Professor E. D. Erslev. The society is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The society awards the Hans Egede Medal in silver 'preferably for geographical studies and researches in the Arctic countries'. It was established in 1916 and named after Hans Egede, who was a Danish missionary in Greenland. External links Royal Danish Geographical Society website Geographic societies Scientific organizations based in Denmark Organizations based in Copenhagen Scientific organizations established in 1876 1876 establishments in Denmark