The Geoscope is an instrument for comparative regional observation and analysis with regard to measures affecting sustainability on a global scale. In that sense the Geoscope is an observation instrument for the anthropocene, the era we are currently entering and in which the human sphere and the natural environment are no longer separable. The Geoscope primarily focusses on the systematic collection of congruent natural-scientific as well as socio-economic data on global change, which will facilitate a detailed validation of integrated assessments of human-environment interactions. Selected regions from various parts of the world shall be monitored with respect to sustainable development using methods of remote sensing in connection with on-the-ground observations. To this end standardised and comparable observation criteria have to be defined, sufficiently long time series have to be acquired and a network of related research programmes has to be established. The Geoscope is therefore also an organisational framework for the development of indicators, theories, models and policy instruments for an integrated earth system analysis and a prospective earth system management in the future.