A method of automated scan compensation in a target acquisition system for reducing areas of potential threat surrounding an aircraft. The target acquisition system is located on an aircraft and adapted to receive data from a plurality of sensors. The target acquisition system includes a scanning device with adjustable scan limits for scanning a desired area in the vicinity of the aircraft. The method involves determining the aircraft's current position, altitude, and heading. The terrain in the vicinity of the aircraft is then scanned and a line of sight between the aircraft and the scanned terrain is determined. Changes in the terrain which prevent other areas of the terrain in the vicinity of the aircraft from being scanned are also determined. The method then involves determining adjustments to the scan limits on the target acquisition system to reduce the size of the unscanned areas, and adjusting the scan limits as the aircraft flies over the terrain.