GD&T is used in many industrial applications where assembly processes or complex component geometry is present. Most notable, are applications in transportation, such as aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding; consumer appliances; electronics packaging; mining; and food processing. GD&T is highly symbolic and standardized in documents, including ASME Y14.5M-1994 and ISO 1101-1983 (E).
GD&T methods of communicating are increasingly important as the world's economy moves toward globalization. Far-flung supplier lines in recent years have resulted in hidden costs for assemblers. Someone may reason that a product design is thoroughly validated when it has been established in a controlled manufacturing process.