Minecraft wiki entry for Map, associated text: Use of the F1 key can allow the player to hold a map without blocking their view at all.
In Java Edition, a map created using /give can be any map by using the Map parameter to specify the map number desired. E.g. /give [player] minecraft:filled_map{map:5} gives the specified player map_5. If no data value is supplied it defaults to map_0. If map_0 has not ever been crafted, it is centered on x=0, z=0.
The maps are stored separately as their own data (.dat) file as map_x.dat with (x) being the map number, see map item format for more info. By manipulating this number, players can organize their maps to suit them, or if they accidentally create a map in the same location, they can delete their extra map so as to save the number they make.
Certain programs can be used to make customized maps with images or text on them instead of actual maps, many people use these in adventure maps to show pictures or to tell a story.
Since all copies of a map are links to the same file, copying an unfinished map keeps it synchronized with the copy as the player fills it in. Thus, a copy stored in a chest can act as a remote backup.
A map that is in an item frame does not update itself until a player picks it up, lets it reload, and places it back again. However, if a player holds a clone of the map, both maps update.
Filled maps are the only items that make 90 degree rotations in item frames, and also the only items that can expand the item frame into full block wide.
On Legacy Console Edition, the player always spawns with a map in their inventory after creating a world. This was later added to Bedrock Edition as an optional feature in the world creation menu.
Maps on Legacy Console Edition always show the player's current coordinates, as a substitute for the optional coordinate display in other editions.
A map cannot be created on New Nintendo 3DS Edition. Instead, the map is always displayed on the bottom screen along with the coordinates.