Useful "feature".
from 
Stardock Forums
Stardock Forums
While this is probably some sort of bug, I've just found something that really helps looking over the entire map quickly.
1) Use F9 to look at the tactical map
2) Press and hold the left mouse button on the map to recenter the map
3) While still holding down the left mouse button, press F9 again.
Voila! You can pan over the entire map just by moving your mouse, seeing the units and everything without having to use the mini-map. Just let go of the mouse button to go back to normal functionality!
Chris
~SDC~
1) Use F9 to look at the tactical map
2) Press and hold the left mouse button on the map to recenter the map
3) While still holding down the left mouse button, press F9 again.
Voila! You can pan over the entire map just by moving your mouse, seeing the units and everything without having to use the mini-map. Just let go of the mouse button to go back to normal functionality!
Chris
~SDC~