The map cowrie was named on the basis of its distinct color pattern, because of the longitudinal lines and the easily distinguishable and sinuous mantle groove, which creates a resemblance to ancient maps.

This is considered an economically important species in the Indo-West Pacific, where it is usually collected both for food and for shell trading Leporicypraea mappa is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. It is present in many regions, including East Africa, Madagascar, southeastern Red Sea, eastern Polynesia, southern Japan, Australia and New Caledonia. This exceptionally wide range may possibly be an artifact.

Some conchologists claim that the taxonomy of the species is poorly resolved; if the map cowrie is discovered to be cryptic species complex, then this could drastically change the range of its distribution.