Cheat mode:
Make a backup copy of the file before proceeding. Use a text editor to edit the text file in the "/firaxis/sid meiers alpha century/" folder. Inside these files are the variables the game uses to start with. For example, in the Spartans file, look for the word TECH in the first few paragraphs. Next to it is the number "1". Change this to any number, such as "20". Start the game and choose the spartan Faction. After you land you will get to immediately choose 20 technological advances. Although you can change a lot of these variables in the game, some of them can freeze or shut down the game.

View unexplored locations:
Hold the Left Mouse Button when getting ready to move a unit. Move the unit over the map grid. As it passes over each grid square, coordinates and distance will be displayed, along with text associated with landmarks and cities, even if the square is unexplored (blacked out).

Map editor:
Press [Ctrl] + K during game play to enter the map editor. Enter one of the following codes to activate the corresponding effect. Note: Using this method will mark you as a cheater.

Result - Code:

Edit Faction diplomacy - [Shift] + [F9]
Full map - Y
Kill opponent - [Shift] + [F6]
Switch sides and reset view - [Shift] + [F3]
View FMV sequences - [Shift] + [F8]
View replay - [Shift] + [F7]
Change year - [Shift] + [F5]
Create unit - [Shift] + [F1]
Discovery technology - [Shift] + [F2]
Edit energy credits - [Shift] + [F4]