In the same way that Mathematics is considered to be the true language of the universe, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing is the universal language of engineers, designers, and architects. It is a set of conventions and standards that all professionals who use blueprints utilize in order to clearly and accurately convey their ideas and specifications using numbers, symbols, and abbreviations. With the exception of some of the aforementioned abbreviations, this method transcends all language and geographic barriers, allowing for understanding of the prints anywhere, at any time. Many of the basic properties being conveyed are understandable to laymen as well, and with some education (and/or a suitable legend for the given blueprint), many of the more intricate properties can become apparent.

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There are two overarching standards typically referred to in GD&T: the ISO standards, and the ANSI standards. While a majority of the world defers to ISO as the go-to system, the United States' tendency to forge its own path and conventions (looking at you, imperial measurement system) resulted in the ANSI system. However, both systems still manage to convey all pertinent information, simply with some small differences in layout and styles.  These can be diluted even more from industry to industry and company to company, as each field or entity may have certain aspects of their designs that need to be emphasized with different conventions.

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By default, designs and blueprints created at DeadEye Design will adhere to ANSI standards; if ISO is preferred, or other drafting conventions would be preferred, do not hesitate to send a list of requirements along with the rest of the relevant job information!

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For more information on Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, check out the Wikipedia page on GD&T.