JQVMap is a plugin for generating SVG maps with jQuery.

JQVMap provides support for older browsers via VML, and has a huge set of options relating to the visual qualities of the map, e.g., adding tooltips, and more.

The plugin supports JSON data for seamless visualization (and that’s what maps are all about nowadays).

PinClusterer is a JavaScript layer for adding pins to Bing maps.

There are numerous reasons for preferring Bing maps to Google Maps; namely, because some roads are only up-to-date in Bing, some users prefer the design and features of Bing, and some consider them more accurate. My point being — there are reasons to prefer Bing.

With that cleared up, let’s take a look at Pinclusterer.

Data about the pins is served in an array of data, and the location is simply latitude and longitude.

The library works great with clustered pins — hence the name — by introducing a limit of how close together the pins can appear on the map.

Kartograph is a Python/JavaScript framework for creating interactive vector maps.

Kartograph’s strong points are:

• Separated map generation and rendering;
• Numerous map types available from the get-go;
• Independent nature which allows for complete designing freedom (doesn’t use Google’s maps).

Overall, Kartograph seems like a good solution for a graphics designer or a data miner. The maps are rendered in typographic quality, so web magazine editors should take a look at this library.

Automatic Geocoder is a jQuery library for automatically geocoding and displaying a location entered in a text field.

Geolocation seems to be all the rage in modern applications, and Geocoder supplies a surprisingly easy way to let a user specify his location, add waypoints to a user-generated map, et cetera.

Although the library is powerful by itself, some popular features are missing from Geocoder: map labels, dragging the location pin, and controlling the map.

jQuery Geo is an open source plugin that provides an easy-to-use API that fits most of developer’s mapping needs.

Geo is powerful because it works at so many levels: for example, developers who need a simple map with a single dot will find that it’s easy to create with Geo.

But developers who’ll want to create an interactive map which displays data from a constantly-updating source (e.g., Twitter or Stormwatch) will find that it’s possible with this library, too.

Leaflet is a JavaScript framework for making interactive, tile-based maps for both mobile and web.

You can create markers within the map; Leaflet has map controls for easier viewing; you can also create pop-ups and do a lot of other magic with this plugin.

This map is great if you’re making websites for companies or retail store chains, and can also serve if you’re making, e.g., a tourist map for a local website.