Preparing reference data - which side is left, which is right?

[HenryUnderwood]

I am preparing to add address ranges to a street centerline dataset for use with geocoding. It seems having separate start and end values for left and right segments is the preferred method. I am confused at how these left and right values are determined. How do I know if I am apply the range to the correct side? I couldn't find this information in the geocoding help section (9.3, although I may have access to 10.1 if necessary).

To put it another way, how does the ArcGIS geocoding process interpret "right" and "left"

Naturally, I want to make sure my hits are placed on the correct side of the street...

[JoeBorgione]

I am preparing to add address ranges to a street centerline dataset for use with geocoding. It seems having separate start and end values for left and right segments is the preferred method. I am confused at how these left and right values are determined. How do I know if I am apply the range to the correct side? I couldn't find this information in the geocoding help section (9.3, although I may have access to 10.1 if necessary).

To put it another way, how does the ArcGIS geocoding process interpret "right" and "left"

Naturally, I want to make sure my hits are placed on the correct side of the street...

Typically, address ranges follow the direction of the line as defined by the from node (green) and the to node (red).  Consequently the right side and left side is defined with respect to the direction of the line.

See attached image.

[HenryUnderwood]

I see, well I have a lot of line flipping to do! Am I correct that I can show the direction of the line by using the line decoration "pointing right," as pictured:

[JoeBorgione]

In my earlier graphic I used the 'Arrow At End' symbol which shows the direction of the line.  In this graphic I use the same symbology however I have zoomed into the "0,0" location of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Basically the the street grid is split east to west by Main St and north to south by S Temple St.

As you 'travel' to the east of the 0,0 the streets ascend in addresses with an 'EAST' prefix.  As you travel west of the 0,0 point the addresses ascend with a 'WEST' prefix.  As you travel north from the 0,0, the addresses ascend with a NORTH prefix and finally, as you travel south, they ascend with a 'SOUTH' prefix.

You'll notice that the directions of the the lines themselves (From-To) are oriented with respect to the 0,0 location.  Most areas have multiple address grids.  I'm really lucky that my area of operation is here in Utah. (Not just for addressing; the skiing and mtn biking is over the top, but I digress...)  Here in the Salt Lake Valley we have only one 0,0 location.  To the south of here is the Utah Valley, and every city down there has their own 0,0, which is pretty typical across the U.S.  As you move from one city to the next addresses re-orient to the local 0,0.

The trick is knowing where your 0,0 is for a given jurisdiction.