Direct answer
Map art and web map renderers may render images, scan chunks or send large update sets. Placing many maps in item frames can also cost clients.
How to check it
- Identify the plugin generating maps and whether it renders on a timer, block change or every player view.
- Profile while a render/update operation is active and separately compare client FPS at the same location.
- Inspect the world’s
maps.item-frame-cursor-update-intervaland map cursor behavior only when relevant to observed cost.
Example: A web-map renderer performing full chunk scans can produce server work while a wall of in-game map frames might mainly lower client FPS. Diagnose them separately.
What to change
Reduce unnecessary map-refresh frequency or schedule full renders outside busy periods. For plugin-rendered displays, cache unchanged output where the plugin supports it.
Software and version notes
Paper map cursor limits and update intervals can alter in-game map behavior. Do not promise that a setting will improve FPS for every client or fix the server-side renderer.
Verify the result
Validate map details and markers still update when necessary, then compare server profile and client performance independently.