Yandex Purchases Map License from NAVTEQ

Today, Yandex informed that has purchased a license for maps supplied by the leading provider, NAVTEQ. These maps will be used in the development of a better world map for the Yandex Maps service.

NAVTEQ has provided Yandex with maps from all over the world, including maps of Europe, North America, Australia and developed countries in Asia.

Yandex.Maps will add new content both to its mobile application and to its desktop version that supports all leading platforms. Using the Yandex Maps API, webmasters can embed maps of different countries into their resources.

Yandex already purchased map content from NAVTEQ. The NAVTEQ-provided detailed map of Turkey at yandex.com.tr, featuring location search and other Yandex services, has been highly popular with users following its debut last year.

Our users have already appreciated high-quality detailed maps of Russia and Ukraine with the search function and other useful features such as routing, traffic information, satellite images and panoramic views. We continue to enhance our map services for Belarus and Kazakhstan,” said Maria Orlova, head of Yandex.Maps Production and Quality Control Service.

In addition to NAVTEQ, Yandex partners with other digital maps content providers to permit location information for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

To enhance and continually improve the map of Russia, Yandex acquired map provider GIS Technologies in July 2010 and began making city maps for various locations across the country. Yandex offers maps for 270 cities in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.