homsar Google Maps works differently than Organic Maps and CoMaps. It doesn't download the entire map, but only the sections that match your location. This means it needs a connection to a server. If GM is to download the appropriate map section, it needs to know your location. I read an article somewhere by researchers who claimed that even if you disable location tracking and use AirPlane mode, Google apps still try to log your location in some way, but through other methods (e.g., Wi-Fi), and when they can, they upload the entire data to Google servers.
If you want to use Google Maps, install it in an isolated profile (or Private Space) and don't allow it to run in the background. This will ensure that Google Maps won't be able to log anything.