I just downloaded the 1.8 patch on xbox live and I noticed my world map has no cloud cover anymore. I think its the patch and not just a matter of exactly when I looked at the map because its wiped clean, not just a couple small clouds and a huge open stretch, but totally cloud free. You can see everything, I really like it a lot better. Did anyone else notice this, and how does everyone like it. I can't wait to see the new landmass added in.

Mine didn't do that.
And the new landmass will not likely be seen from the Skyrim world map. It will be it's own separate world space, with it's own map.

As far as I have experienced, the clouds are still there when you're looking at it, being out in the open world, not a building or dungeon. Not sure what if inside city walls.

I personally like the cloudy version better.

Most DLC's occur "off map". Even DG was mostly off the existing map that came with the shipped game.

However, I have noticed that if I do the Clear Skies shout, my Map has little to no clouds on it.

Yep. I had a brain fart...again. I'm in a dungeon. Lol.