How Does Mapping Work?

Hello everyone! I'm diving in Bedrock So far, it definitely feels like a superior version of the game, but some QOL stuff really irks me- mainly the Mapping.

In console edition, mapping was simple. You could create a world with a set amount of tiles and creating a new map would automatically number the map based on the tile/chunk you were in. It made organization easy and navigating a breeze https://speedtest.vet/ .

However, moving over to BR edition is a bit more of a chore when it comes to mapping. When I first opened a map, it created an area all around me. A small area at that. So I looked into it, and I finally figured out how to make large locator maps that covered a huge portion of area around me. This made things much more familiar to play with.

Now my curiosity is about how the game determines what area to record when I leave the boundaries of my current map.

If I were to go, say, east all the way on my level 3 map until I cross the border... when I create a new level 3 map, what will it register? Will it record a new chunk? Will it record some new chunks and some of the chunks from my old map? I'm just trying to find the easiest way to create connecting maps without getting myself all lost or needing to write down coordinates for everything https://vidmate.bid/ .

Also... secondary question... I created a map called 'map 2', and after exploring the whole chunk/map, I accidentally cleared my hotbar and lost it. -_- Any way I can get that specific map back, or is it lost to the void?

Any help would be appreciated!