Map Engine Selection Guide

Selecting the right Map Engine is the an important step in building your map. The engine acts as the foundational and determines not only how your map looks but also the features available and how much additional setup and cost is needed to get up and running.

This guide will compare our available engines, discuss their limitations and setup requirements, and ultimately help you decide how you would like to proceed!

Default Engine – Zero Cost, Zero Fuss #

We believe that getting a map up and running shouldn’t require any additional billing or complicated setup.

This is why we automatically enable our Zero Cost mapping engine preset, which uses Leaflet, OpenFreeMap and Nominatim to provide you with an effortless setup.

This engine provides fully functional maps, out-of-the-box, without any initial API key setup, sign-ups or additional billing requirements. This is the best starter mapping engine for most users, and for many will remain the only mapping option you will ever need.

Note: If you do need Directions functionality, you will need to add your own OpenRouteService API Key to our settings area to get started.

Engine Comparison #

Engine	Key Required	Billing Required	Address Provider	Directions Provider	Great For
Zero Cost	No	No	Nominatim	OpenRouteService*	A quick start with a perfectly functional basic map and zero sign-ups.
Google Maps	Yes	Yes	Google Maps Geocoding	Google Maps Directions	Advanced features like traffic, themes, and specialized layers.
Azure Maps	Yes	Yes	Azure Maps Geocoding	Azure Maps Directions	Powerful alternative to Google Maps with robust security and rich feature sets.
Stadia Maps	Yes	No (With Limits)	Nominatim	OpenRouteService*	High-quality map tiles.
MapTiler	Yes	No (With Limits)	Nominatim	OpenRouteService*	Beautiful map tiles.
LocationIQ	Yes	No	LocationIQ Geocoding	LocationIQ Directions	A key-required, cost-effective alternative with a generous free usage tier.
Leaflet	No *	No	Nominatim	OpenRouteService*	Developer-centric custom builds and specialized map use cases.
Open Layers (v10)	No *	No	Nominatim	OpenRouteService*	Free, reliable, open-source custom maps with various tileset options.

* Note on OpenRouteService (ORS): The OpenRouteService provider is free, but requires an API Key, to prevent access to the API from being abused.

* Note on API keys for OpenLayers and Leaflet: Some tile servers do require a key, but many of the available options are completely key-free.

Zero Cost #

Zero cost mapping is aimed at providing you with a completely free mapping engine, right out-of-the-box. This engine preset uses Leaflet, OpenFreeMap and Nominatim to reduce the need for any additional setup.

Because this is built on top of Leaftet you can expect full feature parity, along with beautiful vector based map tiles from OpenFreeMap. Nominatim acts as the address suggestion/geocoding system for this engine.

Note: Nominatim is free to use, but is subject to strict usage limits. We cache all queries made to Nominatim to help reduce the impact on their service. If you require more you can switch to an alternative Address provider within the settings

Google Maps #

Google Maps remains the industry standard for web mapping, recognized globally for its reliability, powerful location services, and extensive ecosystem. Selecting Google Maps is the choice for users who require the highest level of detail and access to advanced features unique to the Google platform.

This engine unlocks the full power of Google’s real-time services, including Google Maps Directions for accurate routing, highly precise Google Maps Geocoding for address search and suggestion, Advanced Map Styling, and Specialized Layers for displaying real-time traffic data, transit overlays, and bicycle paths.

In order to leverage Google’s services a Google Maps API Key is required and you must link a valid billing method in order for these services to function as expected. Google does offer a generous monthly free usage credit, but still requires a billing method to be set up.

Azure Maps #

Azure Maps is Microsoft’s powerful, cloud-based mapping platform and serves as a highly capable alternative to Google Maps. It provides developers with robust, production-ready location services that integrate seamlessly into the Microsoft ecosystem.

This engine is distinguished by its strong support for various visual data types and flexible tile rendering. You gain access to essential features like Azure Maps Directions and Azure Maps Geocoding, alongside unique layers such as Satellite and Aerial Imagery and detailed Weather Maps (including radar and infrared). The flexibility to easily switch between diverse map types makes it ideal for data-visualization projects.

Like other cloud-based providers, an Azure Maps API key is mandatory for authentication, and a valid Azure billing method must be linked to your account to track usage. While a free usage tier is available, setting up the key and billing ensures your maps are secured and functional within the terms of service.

Stadia Maps #

Stadia Maps is the ideal provider for users seeking a powerful, cost-effective alternative to our other engines that still offers high-quality map data and advanced features. Stadia Maps is built on a foundation of open data and technology, allowing them to offer beautiful, customizable map styles and robust tools with transparent pricing.

The Stadia Maps engine provides all the core services a professional map requires. It is also known for its diverse library of visually stunning base maps, including custom light, dark, and specialized ‘Alidade’ themes, which makes it an excellent choice for map design and data visualization.

Stadia Maps requires an API Key for authentication and security, but does not require you to provide a credit card or billing method to access their generous free usage tier. This “no-surprise billing” approach makes it a perfect choice for non-commercial projects, testing, or any application where cost management is a high priority.

MapTiler #

MapTiler is a comprehensive mapping platform that excels in providing high-quality global map data built on OpenStreetMap and other open data sources, paired with professional-grade tools. It is an industry-favorite for developers who require a wide selection of map aesthetics and reliable data.

A key feature of MapTiler is its large portfolio of Ready-to-Use Maps. This gives users immediate access to a variety of visually distinct base maps—from street and satellite imagery to outdoor and topographic styles.

MapTiler offers a robust Free Plan which includes generous usage limits, but it requires an API Key for all services.

LocationIQ #

LocationIQ is an affordable, developer-friendly alternative to more expensive mapping platforms. It provides a comprehensive suite of location services with a particular focus on Geocoding and Reverse Geocoding, which is powered by robust open-source data.

A significant draw for LocationIQ is its pricing structure, which includes a very generous free tier designed to support small projects and initial development without requiring a credit card to get started.

An API Key is required, but can easily be obtained in just a few steps!

Leaflet #

Leaflet is the lightweight, developer-first alternative to complex and costly mapping platforms, providing a robust, mobile-friendly foundation for interactive web maps. Its core feature set includes essential components like markers, popups, and GeoJSON support, all packaged in a minimal 42KB library designed for performance and speed. This focus on simplicity ensures fast development cycles and an optimal user experience across all devices.

A significant advantage of Leaflet is its completely free and open-source nature, meaning there are zero licensing costs, vendor lock-in, or expensive tiered usage fees for the library itself.

To use the Leaflet JavaScript library and get a map working, no API Key is required for the library itself. While some commercial map tile providers may require a key for their specific map data, you can easily use completely open and free tile servers without any key or initial registration.

Leaflet powers many of our internal engine presets, including Zero Cost, Azure Maps, Stadia Maps, MapTiler and LocationIQ

OpenLayers #

OpenLayers is a high-performance, professional-grade JavaScript library designed for complex web mapping. It has been our default for many previous releases and serves as a great alternative to Leaflet.

OpenLayers is completely free, robustly open-source, and we include many fully free tile server options for you to use without any initial billing requirements.