Had a bit of indecision initially, since the geography is random each time and is a major limiting factor for the ability to build properly. Sorry if that might seem tedious, however if you play for yourself it is highly probable that you also may see exactly why picking the best terrain is preferable to attempting to make less tenable options work. Of course, the paradox of choice can lead to paralysis as well, and it is sometimes best to just try to make whatever may be function as best as however may be possible.
But yeah, it would be better if the terraforming options were always available and just cost some points per turn or something, and maybe if the map were generated with the missions in mind a bit more and less randomly it might be useful as well. I like the game, but the randomness adds a bit too much difficulty at points IMO.