1. A method of characterizing an image comprising: storing at least one reference image characterized via an array of local image feature descriptors in which the local image feature descriptors are built according to at least circular data distribution information; obtaining a first image of an object; and characterizing, via execution of machine readable instructions in a processor, the first image via: detecting within the first image a plurality of interest points; and building a local image feature descriptor for each interest point, including: mapping information about the respective interest points according to at least circular data distribution information, determining if the first image matches the at least one reference image via comparing, via at least the circular data distribution information, the local image feature descriptors of the first image with local image feature descriptors of the at least one reference image; and confirming, positively or negatively, an identity of the object in the first image, wherein based upon the determining and confirming, performing a computer vision application including image stitching.