Systems and methods which provide iterative multi-directional image searching are described. Embodiments utilize a multi-directional searching pattern for defining one or more searching areas within a source image. A searching area of embodiments provides a searching area within a source image for searching for a template image in the multiple directions of the multi-directional searching pattern. A location of the searching area within the source image may be updated iteratively, such as based upon motion vectors derived from the searching, until a template image match position is identified within the source image. Embodiments transform the template image and the searching area within a source image to 1D representations corresponding to each direction of the multi-directional image search. Embodiments accommodate rotation and scale variance of the subject (e.g., object of interest) of the template image within the source image.