generic referencing is an attempt to attach data to any map database by discovering reference information through a form of map matching. the function-specific data items are assigned to elements, such as points, links or areas, that likely only approximate the corresponding map elements in a specific map database. a search of the map database is made for the best fit. to enhance the search process neighboring elements are strategically appended to each given element to help ensure that the correct solution is found in each case. for example, if the map element is a link connecting two intersections, then one or both cross streets could be appended for the sake of the search. hopefully, this makes an incorrect match unlikely. although the procedure is quite heuristic, a proposed standard called agora outlines the strategy for choosing neighboring elements to append.