WhatsApp doesn’t show anyone’s location automatically while typing. A map in chat appears only if the sender:
- Shared a location via Attach (paperclip) > Location:
- Send your current location (one‑time, static pin)
- Share live location (updates for 15 min/1 hr/8 hrs)
- Sent a maps link (Google/Apple Maps), which WhatsApp renders with a map preview.
How to tell which it is:
- Live location: shows a “LIVE” badge or “Live until [time]” on the card, and updates as they move when you open it.
- Static/current location: a single pin with a timestamp, no LIVE label, doesn’t update.
- Link preview: you’ll see the domain (e.g., maps.google.com) under the bubble.
So the map that popped up was generated from what your friend sent, not automatic sharing by WhatsApp.