How to Pick a Shaded Path in Tashkent Using the New “Green” Route on Yandex.Maps

What Is the “Green” Route?

A new type of walking path has appeared in Tashkent, and Yandex.Maps calls it the “Green” route. When you plan a stroll, the service suggests an option where most of the way runs beneath tree canopies. That’s a real lifesaver on hot days, when an open, sun‑baked track quickly wears you out.

How the Selection Algorithm Works

To build the “Green” route, Yandex’s team created a digital map of the city’s trees. Specialists fed satellite images into a neural‑network model; in a few minutes the model spots canopy‑covered areas and measures their extent. On test data the detection accuracy reached roughly ninety percent.

Once the tree map is ready, the algorithm compares several possible routes between the chosen points. It takes into account:

• The share of the way that runs over open ground without vegetation;
• The density of tree crowns along the trail;
• The average air temperature on the route;
• The total length of the path.

Special attention is given to alternating sunny and shady sections. If you walk for a long stretch under direct sun, the heat feels much stronger, so the system tries to spread shade evenly throughout the route.

Where the “Green” Route Comes in Handy

A shaded way is useful in many situations:

• On the way to a metro station or bus stop, when you need to get there quickly but don’t want to overheat;
• During a short downtown walk, for example to the nearest café or shop;
• When you’re out with children, seniors, or anyone sensitive to heat.

Thus the feature benefits both locals and tourists who want to explore Tashkent without sacrificing comfort.

How to Turn on the “Green” Route in Yandex.Maps

1. Open the Yandex.Maps app and set your start and end points as usual.
2. Choose the “Walking” mode. The service will automatically generate several route options.
3. If a “Green” variant appears, it will be highlighted with a distinct colour on the map.
4. Tap the option to see details: estimated time, distance, and the amount of shaded sections.
5. Compare it with the regular route and decide which one fits the current conditions better.

If the “Green” option doesn’t show up, it means there aren’t enough trees between the selected points to form a shaded path, and the service will fall back to the standard route.

What This Means for Travelers in Tashkent

Tashkent is a large city with a hot climate; summer temperatures often climb above comfortable levels. Being able to pick a route that stays in the shade makes strolling through the streets far less tiring. That’s especially relevant for anyone planning to explore the city on foot, visit markets, historic quarters, or simply get to public transport.

Beyond the practical upside, the “Green” route highlights the city’s vegetation, showing where parks and tree‑lined avenues cluster. For fans of urban flora, it’s an extra way to appreciate how Tashkent weaves green spaces into its infrastructure.

Tips for Using the Feature

• Plan trips for early morning or evening hours, when the temperature has already dropped and shade feels especially pleasant.
• If speed matters, compare the travel time of the “Green” and ordinary routes – a few minutes’ difference is often worth walking in the shade.
• On longer walks, carry water and a light headband – it can still be warm even under the trees.

Outlook

Tashkent is the first city where Yandex.Maps has rolled out this kind of route. The project’s success could push the feature into other Uzbek cities and perhaps abroad. The more data on urban vegetation that’s collected, the more precise and varied the suggestions will become.

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If you’ve already tried the “Green” route, share your impressions in the comments. And for those only now planning a trip to Tashkent, we recommend turning this option on when you map your walks – a little comfort in the heat goes a long way!

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.