The GeoJSON specification (RFC 7946) states that for polygons:

A linear ring MUST follow the right-hand rule with respect to the area it bounds, i.e., exterior rings are counterclockwise, and holes are clockwise.

However, this erratum published in July 2017, states:

It seems like the clockwise/counterclockwise descriptions are the opposite of the right-hand rule. Walking an exterior ring in a counterclockwise direction would have the exterior of the ring to the right of the observer.

This is a pretty significant issue, that does not appear to have been resolved (judging from the "reported" status of the erratum).

Is this correct? What exactly is the "right-hand rule" anyway?

The GeoJSON specification (RFC 7946) states that for polygons:

A linear ring MUST follow the right-hand rule with respect to the area it bounds, i.e., exterior rings are counterclockwise, and holes are clockwise.

However, this erratum published in July 2017, states:

It seems like the clockwise/counterclockwise descriptions are the opposite of the right-hand rule. Walking an exterior ring in a counterclockwise direction would have the exterior of the ring to the right of the observer.

This is a pretty significant issue, that does not appear to have been resolved (judging from the "reported" status of the erratum).

Is this correct? What exactly is the "right-hand rule" anyway?