Go to your Elemental folder and create a shortcut for Elemental.exe, at the end of it add the word cheat (just cheat, for example C:\Program Files\Stardock Games\Elemental\Elemental.exe" cheat). When you start a new game you'll have access to all the cheat functions, you can find a list on GameFAQs.com though I have to warn you the forum section on that site is full of Internet Trolls.

The cheat command is Clt+U to see the whole map, and Clt+U again to restore fog of war. This doesn't introduce you to the AI, and the best thing is you can use Clt+T to teleport the AI around, introduce them to eachother or put them where you want them at the first turn before they establish cities. You can use this to pick out the best area to establish your first city too.