A method for automatic initialization of 2D to 3D image registration includes acquiring a 3D model. A plurality of shape descriptor features is calculated from the acquired 3D model representing a plurality of poses of the 3D model. A 2D image is acquired. The plurality of shape descriptors is matched to the acquired 2D model. An optimum pose of the 3D model is determined based on the matching of the plurality of shape descriptors to the acquired 2D model. An initial registration is generated, in an image processing system, between the 3D model and the 2D image based on the determined optimum pose.