An approach is provided for feature point detection and representation. The approach, for example, involves processing (e.g., using a neural network or equivalent) image data associated with a grid cell of an image to determine a feature point corresponding to a position of a feature detected in the image data. The approach also involves encoding the position of the feature with respect to a coordinate system referenced to the grid cell. The output comprises one or more parameters indicating the encoded position, one or more attributes of the feature, or a combination thereof.