A microsatellite genetic linkage map was constructed for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) using segregation data from two three/four-generation outbred pedigrees. The first was mainly a Deli population and the second consisted of La Mé and Yangambi populations. A total of 363 microsatellite markers (SSR) were genotyped and analyzed with CRI-MAP software. On the initial 363 SSR, 252 and 277 SSR markers for the first and second groups, respectively, were mapped in 16 linkage groups. The maps covered 2078 and 1845 cM, with an average density of one marker every 9 and 7 cM. An integrated map was built, grouping 281 markers on 1935 cM, with an average density of one marker every 7.4 cM. The linear orders of markers among the three genetic maps and with the physical map were highly consistent. These results showed the ability to override the existing experimental limits for linkage mapping in oil palm, namely a limited number of palms per cross. This represents the first step towards efficient pedigree-based quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using the first intercrossed generations in current breeding programs.