Russia’s most popular search engine, Yandex, announced today that it has purchased a license for digital maps from NAVTEQ, which will be used in the development of a “detailed world map” for Yandex.Maps.

Yandex is using maps from NAVTEQ from around the world, including in Europe, North America, Australia and developed countries in Asia. The maps include roadways, traffic networks and buildings.

Maria Orlova, head of production and quality control on the Yandex.Maps service, says, “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.”

Yandex has actually already been using NAVTEQ maps for Turkey at yandex.com.tr. The company also partners with other map providers to license content for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. In 2010, the company purchased GIS Technologies for city maps.

“NAVTEQ’s content will help us make Yandex.Maps a comprehensive, all-purpose mapping service that can answer users’ questions about countries throughout the world,” she adds.

Yandex says it will gradually add content to both its desktop version and mobile app to support all major platforms.

There’s an API available for sites to utilize, and embed maps.