A system for automated surface anomaly detection includes at least one processor which is configured to retrieve from non-volatile memory a 3D control image; capture a 3D target image depicting at least the portion of the exterior of a target object; generate 2D target planar images of the target object based on the 3D target image, using a first plurality of virtual cameras; generate 2D control planar images of the control object based on the 3D control image using a second plurality of virtual cameras, the 2D control planar images corresponding to the 2D target planar images of the target object; detect at least one difference between the 2D target planar images and the 2D control planar images; and generate and cause to be displayed an output image comprising a depiction of the target object with the at least one difference indicated.