A method for locating neighbor objects of a query object in a database. A query tile set is defined including a plurality of tiles that define an initial query radius that the query object is grouped within. Neighbor objects are located within the initial query radius. A number of neighbor objects within the initial query radius is determined. The query radius is expanded beyond the initial query radius by defining an expanded query tile set beyond the query tile set if the number of neighbor objects is less than a target number. Neighbor objects are located within the expanded query radius. It is determined whether a number of neighbor objects within the expanded radius corresponds to a target number. The query radius is expanded and neighbor objects located within the expanded radius until the number of neighbor objects equals or exceeds the target number.