Freedom251 › Interactive Map Software
Modest Maps
What Modest Maps is
Modest Maps is a free library for designers and developers adding interactive maps to their own projects. It supplies a core set of mapping features and hooks for extending them, rather than attempting to include every possible control or layer type. The JavaScript library is listed as compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Opera, iOS, Android, and Internet Explorer 7–9. Its distribution file, modestmaps.min.js, is listed at 10KB minified and gzipped. An example uses a templated Mapbox tile URL to create a map layer. The project also lists implementations or utilities for Python, ActionScript 3, Cinder, Processing, PHP, and OpenFrameworks. This makes it a building block for teams who want to add map functionality and shape the additional controls or layers themselves. The listed plan is free, with no plan limits stated. The project credits Stamen, Bloom, and MapBox as contributors.
Who it suits
Modest Maps suits designers and developers who want a core mapping library to build on in their own projects. It is less suited to someone seeking a package that already includes every map control or layer type.
What it does well
- Core mapping features include hooks for additions.
- JavaScript compatibility includes several browsers and platforms.
- Minified, gzipped JavaScript file is listed at 10KB.
- Other implementations include Python and Processing.
- Free, with no plan limits stated.
What to know first
- Does not aim to include every control type.
- Does not aim to include every layer type.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Modest Maps | Free library; no plan limits stated | Free |
As modestmaps.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Modest Maps website.
- Choose the JavaScript library or one of the listed implementations or utilities.
- Embed the library using a script.
- Create a map layer, using a templated Mapbox tile URL as shown in the site example.
- Build additional functionality with the library's hooks.
Verdict
Modest Maps provides a small core for projects that need interactive maps and room for extensions. Plan for additional work if your project needs controls or layer types beyond its included scope.
Questions
How much does Modest Maps cost?
The Modest Maps plan is free.
Is there a free trial?
No. The listed free plan does not have a free trial.
Which browsers are compatible with the JavaScript library?
The listed browsers are Firefox, Chrome, Opera, iOS, Android, and Internet Explorer 7–9.
What other implementations or utilities are listed?
The project lists Python, ActionScript 3, Cinder, Processing, PHP, and OpenFrameworks.
Does it include all map controls and layer types?
No. The project describes a core set of features with hooks and does not aim to include every possible control or layer type.
Who are the project contributors?
The homepage credits Stamen, Bloom, and MapBox.
Facts from Modest Maps's own pages
- Audience
- The library is aimed at designers and developers building interactive maps in their own projects. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Browser compatibility
- The JavaScript library is listed as compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Opera, iOS, Android, and Internet Explorer 7–9. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The JavaScript library is compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Opera, iOS, Android, and Internet Explorer 7–9. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Core features
- It provides a core set of features with hooks for additional functionality. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution size
- The site lists modestmaps.min.js at 10KB minified and gzipped. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Extensible design
- The library provides core mapping features with hooks for additional functionality. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Implementations
- The site lists Python, ActionScript 3, Cinder, Processing, PHP, and OpenFrameworks implementations or utilities. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Map tiles
- The example uses a templated Mapbox tile URL to create a map layer. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The site says Modest Maps does not attempt to include every map control or layer type. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Other implementations
- The site lists Python, Actionscript 3, Cinder, Processing, PHP, and OpenFrameworks implementations. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Package size
- The site lists modestmaps.min.js as 10KB minified and gzipped. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Project credit
- The homepage identifies Stamen, Bloom, and MapBox as project contributors. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Modest Maps is a free library for designers and developers to add interactive maps to their projects. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Scope
- The project says it does not include every possible map control or layer type and is designed as a platform to build upon. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Testing
- The site says the code is well-designed, tested, and deployed widely, and that it is tested against older browsers including Internet Explorer. · modestmaps.com, 9 Oct 2026
Where Modest Maps stands on Freedom251
- Interactive Map Software#21 of 40