1. A method for determining feature data that represents information about the shape of an object, the object being located in a k-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: determining, by a computer, a partitioning scheme that defines a plurality of cells in the space in which the object is located such that at least some of the cells each contain a respective portion of the object, wherein at least some of the cells defined by the partitioning scheme represent k-dimensional spheres, k-dimensional shells, sectors of k-dimensional spheres, or sectors of k-dimensional shells in the space in which the object is located; and determining, by the computer, the feature data for the object on the basis of at least one property of the respective portions of the object that are contained in the plurality of cells, wherein at least two of the plurality of cells overlap each other at least in part.