Yandex Maps Rolls Out Next-Gen Navigation Features

Yandex has revamped its Maps app with a major redesign and smart new features to improve navigation across Russian cities.

Navigation just got smarter for users in Russia. Yandex has announced a comprehensive upgrade to its mobile Maps app, offering detailed road markings, 3D landmarks, and photo-based orientation tools—all available in every navigation mode, not just for drivers.

Now, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit passengers can benefit from high-precision street visuals. Underground passages are marked in purple and appear layered beneath roads, making exits easier to find. Key landmarks have been recreated in 3D, while photo references enhance orientation in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

In transport mode, stops and tram lines are displayed more clearly, and street names are more prominent. Pedestrians will find it easier to locate specific buildings thanks to realistic lane markings.

The refreshed design is now live across all platforms, including the web version. As for the detailed road data, it currently covers over 40 cities and is expanding rapidly. Bonus: the new map format is more storage-efficient and performs reliably even on lower-end devices.