Camshafts, idle quality, driveability and LSA-REAL WORLD EXP and OPINION

So we better all make clear what we are talking about and state LSA and ICL when we talk about straight up, advance or retard. The one that confuses me the most is the dot-to-dot. If I want to advance a dot-to-dot do I undot the top gear or undot the bottom gear? And do I undot to the left or right or do I undot clockwise or counter-clockwise. How many degrees is 1/4 dot, 1/2 dot and if I advance 3/4 dot do I have a 3/4 race cam?