System and methods for feature selection and matching

Systems and methods for feature selection and matching are provided. In certain embodiments, a method for matching features comprises extracting a first plurality of features from current image data acquired from at least one sensor and extracting a second plurality of features from a prior map, wherein the prior map represents an environment containing the navigation system independently of data currently acquired by the at least one sensor. The method also comprises identifying at least one first feature in the first plurality of features and at least one second feature in the second plurality of features that have associated two-dimensional representations; and identifying at least one corresponding pair of features by comparing a three-dimensional representations of the at least one first feature to a three-dimensional representation of the at least one second feature.