Overview
EN ISO 8015:2011 - Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Fundamentals - Concepts, principles and rules (ISO 8015:2011) is the fundamental GPS standard adopted by CEN. It defines the core concepts, principles and rules used to create, interpret and apply all other GPS standards and technical reports. EN ISO 8015:2011 applies to the interpretation of GPS indications on all types of drawings (interpreted broadly as the complete documentation package for a workpiece) and establishes the baseline assumptions for tolerancing, functional limits and verification.
Key Topics
- Fundamental principles that govern GPS application, including:
- Invocation principle (how the ISO GPS system is invoked on documentation)
- GPS standard hierarchy (fundamental → global → general → complementary)
- Definitive drawing, feature, independency, decimal, default, reference condition, rigid workpiece, duality, functional control, general specification, responsibility principles
- Assumptions for reading drawings: functional limits, tolerance limits and the workpiece functional level
- Default and altered default GPS specifications: definition and use of ISO default specification operators versus company- or drawing-specific defaults
- Rules for indicating specification operators and for adding complementary information or requirements on drawings
- Relationship to the GPS matrix model (annex) and guidance for consistent interpretation across the GPS system
Practical Applications
EN ISO 8015:2011 provides the authoritative framework for:
- Interpreting geometric tolerances, symbols and specification operators on engineering drawings and CAD deliverables
- Establishing consistent, traceable tolerancing and verification rules across product documentation
- Informing quality control and metrology decision-making (inspection planning, acceptance criteria)
- Creating company standards or drawing-specific defaults that remain compatible with the ISO GPS system
This standard is especially relevant when building or applying a consistent dimensional metrology, tolerance analysis, or inspection regime tied to ISO GPS practice.
Who Uses This Standard
- Design and mechanical engineers preparing toleranced drawings
- CAD and drawing production teams
- Quality, inspection and metrology laboratories implementing measurement and decision rules
- Standards developers, technical authors and procurement/specification writers
- Manufacturing engineers and suppliers who must interpret contractual drawings
Related Standards
- ISO 17450-1 / ISO 17450-2 (GPS general concepts and model)
- ISO 14253-1 (decision rules for conformity - referenced conceptually)
- ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM - uncertainty of measurement)
- ISO/IEC Guide 99 (VIM - metrology vocabulary)
- ISO/TR 14638 (GPS matrix model guidance)
Keywords: EN ISO 8015:2011, ISO 8015:2011, geometrical product specifications, GPS, tolerancing, drawing interpretation, dimensional metrology, inspection, ISO GPS.
