Right-hand rule
A convention for ring orientation where outer boundaries and holes follow specific clockwise or counterclockwise directions.
Category: Topology
Definition (expanded)
The right-hand rule is used in several GIS contexts to keep ring orientation consistent. Not every format enforces it, but validators and some renderers may rely on it.
Related terms
Winding order (ring orientation)The direction a ring is written, clockwise or counterclockwise, which some systems use to distinguish outer rings from holes.Ring (Linear Ring)A closed sequence of coordinates used as a polygon boundary (exterior) or hole (interior).Hole (Interior Ring)An interior ring inside a polygon that subtracts area (a cut-out).