(Large to Huge sized maps) Tec I suggest first two civic because there are a lot of planets so you don't have to worry about a rush just get 20 planets 30 max and settle down, the main goal of TEC in huge maps is to explode onto the map and limit the room your enemy has to move around, don't forget though that the front planets have to be totally and tightly defended as in a shit load of turrets, hangar defenses and repair bays, also the tactical logistics maxed out.
Advent on these types of maps I would reccomend builing civic stations to get those rich metal and crystal planets early, and again the front line and choke pint planets have to be extremely deffended, advent hangar defense is really good at that job but is not a priority early in the game. It is also wise to research the culture spreding station to again constrict enemy colonizing options, because if your culture is too high at a uncolinized planet then the enemy will still not be able to colonize the planet. But keep these brodcast stations very well defended because soon they will be attacked.
Vasari go for civics all the way and get Returning Armada which will give you an unlimited supply of free ships which can prove very valuable in harrasing enemy fleets. Although ou will also need the planets to give you a steady income research the nessesary upgrades for that. Although the Returning Armada s very nice throw in some military stations and research some offensive and mostly deffensive structures and units. Hope this helps. 
