The GeoJSON specification ([RFC 7946](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc7946)) 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](https://www.rfc-editor.org/errata/rfc7946) 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?