Gene mapping is the process of identifying the location and genetic markers of a gene on a chromosome. It can also refer to the creation of a genetic map, which outlines the relative positions of genes on a chromosome. Synonyms for gene mapping include genetic mapping, linkage analysis, chromosome mapping, genome mapping, and DNA mapping. These terms all refer to the same process of identifying the location of genes within an organism's DNA. The ability to map genes has revolutionized the field of genetics, allowing researchers to better understand the inheritance and expression of traits, as well as the underlying causes of genetic disorders.