This is the main page for my experiments with the different mapping software currently available on the InterNet.
There are currently 3 main contenders in the non-subscription market that I am aware of, Google, Yahoo!, and MicroSoft.
In the subscription market, there is MapQuest, and possibly others.
Click on one of the below links to see the map generated by each service. They all use the same data source, and are generated dynamically.
Google based map Yahoo! based map MicroSoft Network based map v1 (Broken since V2)
MicroSoft Network based map v2 (coming Soon?)

Feature Comparison


FeatureGoogleYahoo!MSN Virtual Earth
LicensePersonal/Commercial as long as access is free.Personal/Commercial as long as access is free.Free Personal use. Free and paid comercial use with some restrictions. (Version 2)
Registration / Access controlYes.
web site/directory key required.
Yes. Non site specific key.No.
API suiteshttp://maps.google.com/maps?file=api&v=1&key=
Tied to site key.
MapControl.js
ve.js
Map SizeUser SpecifiedFixed (Large/Small)User Specified
Site Integration friendlyYesNo. (unless using frames)Yes
Data SourceIn-line JavaScript function call
XML feed
XML feedIn-line JavaScript function call
XML feed
MarkersDefault, or user specified graphic. with 3-D(shadows).Default, or user specified graphic.HTML/CSS
Marker Rollover InfoNoYes?
Marker On-Click InfoYesYes?
Side Info BarSite implementedBuilt-inSite implemented
Map ScrollingSite controled
Click-n-drag
Built-inSite implemented
Click-n-drag
Zoom in/outSite controledBuilt-inSite implemented