I agree on both counts, though I'd suggest further, more specific breakdowns. I'm pretty sure that most TRPGs have something to this extent, here's an example from Final Fantasy Tactics. Presumably some sort of in-game wiki (an updated version of the UFOpaedia) is planned as well so that could also cover it in text form (Civilization V comes to mind).
Just having a preset map for some different general map types would be nice. For example, one for each ship design. That said, I've never had a problem with experimenting in game and reloading so a sandbox is an ultra-low priority for me.
It might be a bit annoying to make but a virtual reality/holodeck type sandbox is always a possibility, though I still think that the plywood is the most setting appropriate.