For normal needs, I think that using the default Google Maps lends us lot of features, but if you need something more innovative it is good to get any interesting plugin, like GMAP3.
GMAP3 is a well–structured tool, which enables us to integrate Google Maps with options much more innovative than Google provides us by default , like retrieving routes or the coordinates of any location. Same like any other jQuery plugin, you need to know the library to manage and use the the plugin efficiently.
Though, many of you never used image maps, but will have good experience of highlighting different areas of the images or creating various effects.
Image Mapster provides an opportunity for revivification; big thanks to the simplicity and power of jQuery, which enable us to add more advanced but simple features to the maps. It is not a plugin, you can use on maps only; it creates very interesting effects and can be used for many other purposes.
jQuery plugins, often, save our hours and hours of drudgery by its unique powerful features, and jQuery Geo is a perfect example.
This superb plugin enables us to manage big maps quite easily, which is an open-source geospatial mapping project. There is no need to worry about updating it in a future. The plugin is not the simplest in implementation, but fantastically performs and I can rate it as one of the best jquery plugins for map after trying it today.
CraftMap (earlier MobilyMap) is a light-weight jQuery plugin (6KB), which enables to develop functional map from the images, excaclty like you have seen in the Google Maps. You can place markers to show HTML stuff or add location information to them. You can orient the map as you like or need. CraftMap can recall recent placements or adjustments of the map utilizing the cookies. It shows titles to the map as well as command menu to move in all directions. CraftMap comes equipped with callback functionalities.
Author: Jean Baptiste Demonte
Author: James Treworgy
Author: Ryan Westphal