Is there a correct way to set up a Stargate?

In the original Stargate film, the top chevron was designed to be visibly different from the others (wider and with a different pattern) and presumably would serve as a "this way up" indicator.

In the TV series, there doesn't appear to be anything that would immediately identify (visually) the top and the bottom, but when you dial, the top chevron activates each time whereas the side chevrons only activate in sequence, so that would serve as an easy indicator of which way to place the gate. Just start dialling, see which one activates twice in a row and you've got your top.

It's also worth pointing out that the Atlantis team enter 'space gates' from any which angle in their Puddle Jumpers but always come out right-side-up in the Atlantis Gate Room, so the gate system is clearly taking into account that the gate itself might not be completely upright when entered, compared to the local equivalent of 'down' (and responding accordingly).

It follows that there may not even be any need for the gate to be placed in any particular orientation, other than for convenience and aesthetics.