Systems and methods for spatial analysis of analytes are provided. A data structure is obtained comprising an image, as an array of pixel values, of a sample on a substrate having a identifier, fiducial markers and a set of capture spots. The pixel values are used to identify derived fiducial spots. The substrate identifier identifies a template having reference positions for reference fiducial spots and a corresponding coordinate system. The derived fiducial spots are aligned with the reference fiducial spots using an alignment algorithm to obtain a transformation between the derived and reference fiducial spots. The transformation and the template corresponding coordinate system are used to register the image to the set of capture spots. The registered image is then analyzed in conjunction with spatial analyte data associated with each capture spot, thereby performing spatial analysis of analytes.