A genome map is exactly what it sounds like - it is a map that aids scientists around a genome. Points on a genome map can include DNA sequences, genes, and regulatory sites. These maps can help scientists identify new genes. Genome maps improve over time as scientists investigate more - they are always changing and being updated. 1
A genome map and a genome sequence are two different things - a genome sequence is more detailed and spells out the DNA order in a genome. A genome map, on the other hand, identifies multiple landmarks within that genome. It is possible to map a gene without identifying the sequence. It is also possible that the sequence will reveal nothing about the map. 1
Genome maps are used for identifying diseases, tracing disease inheritance, and for determining landmarks through several generations. Scientists hope to increase effectiveness in gene mapping so they can identify diseases faster.1
The Human Genome Project is an initiative to improve genome mapping. The HGP is an international effort to sequence the entire human genome. 2
1. Genome News Network (2003). Genome Map. J. Craig Venter Institute. Retrieved from http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/whats_a_genome/Chp3_1.shtml
2. National Human Genome Research Institute (2015). All About The Human Genome Project (HGP). Retrieved from http://www.genome.gov/100017723.