Abstract: The system and method for automatic scan prescription involves initially performing at least one localizer scan for the object being imaged. The localizer images are analyzed to extract important structural information about the object of interest, and of subobjects of interest, yielding an abstract, schematic description of the object of interest. Optimal spatial locations and scanning parameters are then determined for subsequent scans from the information about the object, possible subobjects, and their relationship to a template. The locations for a particular scan included in a set of protocols selected by the operator are then communicated to the scanner in order to automatically drive the scanner. In a presently preferred embodiment, all of the analysis, matching, and scan prescription operations are preferably carried out by a microprocessor based microcomputer. Subsequent detailed and radiologically relevant scans can then be performed using optimal scanning parameters for the patient.