Free Mapping

Mapster WP Maps makes sure to include an option for mapping that doesn’t require any API keys, but is still really modern.

This is done with Maplibre. This is a totally open-source version that forked off from Mapbox, that is supported by big companies like AWS, Microsoft, and Meta. It uses the same basic code as Mapbox, but augmented in its own way.

In the old days, we’d usually use LeafletJS for free mapping, but Maplibre is the much better choice for modern web maps.

With Maplibre, you get just about all the same options that you get with Mapbox. The only things that aren’t included are really modern features of Mapbox — things like 3D globe, projections, and special Mapbox styles. There’s also not the same services like geocoding available, because these use the Mapbox APIs and require access tokens.

Still, Maplibre is a GREAT choice if you just need a simple map, and you need it to show a lot of data and run with good performance.

Check out some of the Maplibre styles available for free here.