The study looked at how land use has changed on the southern slope of the Qilian Mountains from 1980 to 2018. Using satellite images and analysis tools, the researchers found that grassland was the main land type, while water areas decreased and farmland and construction land increased. Changes were mainly driven by factors like population growth, technology, urbanization, economic development, and government policies. The findings can help the government make better decisions about land use to protect the environment and support sustainable development in the area.