Spatial development and spatial planning are important actors on the path of social change towards sustainable spatial development. This volume adopts the perspective of planning science and planning practice to present ways in which the goal of sustainable spatial development can be achieved in regions, towns and cities. The ARL working group “Sustainable Spatial Development for the Great Transformation” refers here to the 2011 flagship report by the „Wissenschaftlicher Beirat der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltveränderungen“ (WBGU). From a social-ecological perspective, the group outlines its position towards intra- and inter-generational justice, spatial planning and development for the common good, and the goal of services of general interest. The authors inquire into the central actors of the transformation and the role of the (formative) state, and they discuss effective instruments and the significance of “spatial knowledge” for the great transformation. Important fields of action for transformation are named. Concrete recommendations for actors in spatial development, municipal and regional planning and politics demonstrate which transformations are necessary for tackling the challenges of sustainable spatial development.