Use of Maps is common in web design today.  We use maps on our website for several reasons, ranging from displaying our location to more complex implementations such as map based searches. Maps also add interactivity to website.

There are many powerful third-part map  frameworks that lets users easily embed maps into websites and blogs. Embedding a map in this way can add a lot of value to your site. It will give your visitors a quick overview of a location, route, or other area of interest. Moreover, the map is fully interactive, which means that customers can zoom in or out or drag the map to focus on a different area, while using the map to search or browse information on your website.

Here are 5 leading map services that you can use on your website for free:

1. Google Map

Google PR- 6
Alexa Rank- 13

Google Maps is undoubtedly the most popular and widely used map services on websites. It is a great way to improve the usability of your website. This web mapping  application by Google, powers many map-based services including the Google Maps website and over a  million other webs pages that use this service.

You can use Google map to embed simple location map on your website or use its powerful API to develop custom map applications. Its powerful Api offers an excellent opportunity to improve the usability of your website by creating interactive map applications that connect with your database.

2. Bing Maps

Google PR- 4
Alexa Rank- 30

Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided as a part of Microsoft’s Bing suite of search engines.

Bing offers similar features to Google Map. It lets you explore the world with interactive maps, search addresses, find directions, and more.  Like Google Map, you can embed Bing maps on your website or use its API to develop custom applications for your business.

Bing is popular with website owners and many users prefer it to Google Map. It is simple use and fast loading and offers a credible alternative to Google map.

3. Mapquest

Google PR- 8
Alexa Rank- 607

MapQuest is a free online web mapping service owned by AOL . MapQuest provides you with useful tools that you can use on their website or embed maps on your website.

The direction finder of MpQuest deserves a special mention. All you need to do enter your starting location e.g. airport, address, city, zip code or state and your ending location. MapQuest then presents you with detailed route including which maneuvers to make until you get to your final destination.

4. Leaflet Cloudmade

Google PR- 6
Alexa Rank- 51895

Although lesser known, this is a great mapping service that offers a simple but snazzy interface. It is a Linux based service which makes it very efficient and fast to load. Leaflet is a modern, lightweight BSD-licensed JavaScript library for making tile-based interactive maps for both desktop and mobile web browsers.

It also has a clean, simple and readable OOP-based code, and it’s hosted on the world’s best open source collaboration platform. Another advantage is its improved support for mobile platforms including iOS and Android.

5. OpenStreetMap

Google PR- 9
Alexa Rank- 6293

OpenStreetMap is an open source mapping service that you can use on your website for free. Founded in July 2004 by Steve Coast, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world.

With this site, you’ll be able to see a user-generated map of almost every city in the world. Users are encouraged to add information to the map, to make it more accurate and complete. After you sign up, you’ll be able to start adding information to the map.

In terms of usability and features, it still has some way to go to rival Google Map or Bing, but it can be effective for certain specific situations especially as it is available with an open source license.