Winding order (ring orientation)
The direction a ring is written, clockwise or counterclockwise, which some systems use to distinguish outer rings from holes.
Category: Topology · Also known as: ring orientation, clockwise, counterclockwise
Definition (expanded)
Some tools expect outer rings and holes to have specific orientations. Others ignore orientation and infer holes by nesting rules. If holes render as filled areas or polygons look inverted, ring orientation is a common cause.
Related terms
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).PolygonA closed area geometry defined by an exterior ring and optional interior rings (holes).Valid geometryA geometry that follows topological rules (closed rings, no self-intersections, properly nested holes, etc.).Right-hand ruleA convention for ring orientation where outer boundaries and holes follow specific clockwise or counterclockwise directions.