How did Sven Anders Hedin contribute to exploration of the western Kunlun Mountains?

Sven Anders Hedin was a pivotal figure in the exploration of the western Kunlun Mountains. While earlier British attempts to explore the region were driven by the desire to exploit the trading potential of Chinese Turkistan, it was not until the end of the 19th century that Hedin successfully mustered the necessary resources to plot the western end of the range.1

His work in the region was part of a broader effort to map and study the challenging terrain of Central Asia, including the nearby Takla Makan Desert. By conducting these expeditions, Hedin provided foundational geographical data that helped open the area to further scientific inquiry.12