Methods and apparatuses detect features. The method according to one embodiment accesses digital image data representing an object; accesses reference data including a shape model relating to shape variation from a baseline object, and a probabilistic atlas comprising probability for a feature in the baseline object; performs shape registration for the object by representing a shape of the object using the shape model, to obtain a registered shape; and determines probability for the feature in the object by generating a correspondence between a geometric element associated with the probabilistic atlas and a geometric element associated with the registered shape.