diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index 942e4cb..90282f5 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -195,6 +195,10 @@ Options
 --list-rendermodes
     List the available render modes, and a short description of each.
 
+--north-direction=NORTH_DIRECTION
+    Specifies which corner of the screen north will point to.
+    Valid options are: lower-left, upper-left, upper-right, lower-right.
+
 --settings=PATH
     Use this option to load settings from a file. The format of this file is
     given below.
@@ -264,6 +268,10 @@ textures_path
     source. Overviewer looks in here for terrain.png and other textures before
     it looks anywhere else.
 
+north_direction
+    Specifies which corner of the screen north will point to.
+    Valid options are: lower-left, upper-left, upper-right, lower-right.
+
 Viewing the Results
 -------------------
 Within the output directory you will find two things: an index.html file, and a
diff --git a/overviewer.py b/overviewer.py
index cbd3f37..3a191b5 100755
--- a/overviewer.py
+++ b/overviewer.py
@@ -96,6 +96,7 @@ def main():
         cpus = 1
     
     avail_rendermodes = c_overviewer.get_render_modes()
+    avail_north_dirs = ['lower-left', 'upper-left', 'upper-right', 'lower-right']
     
     parser = ConfigOptionParser(usage=helptext, config="settings.py")
     parser.add_option("-V", "--version", dest="version", helptext="Displays version information and then exits", action="store_true")
@@ -116,6 +117,7 @@ def main():
     parser.add_option("-v", "--verbose", dest="verbose", action="count", default=0, helptext="Print more output. You can specify this option multiple times.")
     parser.add_option("--skip-js", dest="skipjs", action="store_true", helptext="Don't output marker.js or regions.js")
     parser.add_option("--no-signs", dest="nosigns", action="store_true", helptext="Don't output signs to markers.js")
+    parser.add_option("--north-direction", dest="north_direction", helptext="Specifies which corner of the screen north will point to. Valid options are: " + ", ".join(avail_north_dirs) + ".", type="choice", default=avail_north_dirs[0], choices=avail_north_dirs)
     parser.add_option("--display-config", dest="display_config", action="store_true", helptext="Display the configuration parameters, but don't render the map.  Requires all required options to be specified", commandLineOnly=True)
     #parser.add_option("--write-config", dest="write_config", action="store_true", helptext="Writes out a sample config file", commandLineOnly=True)
 
@@ -219,6 +221,11 @@ def main():
         optimizeimages.check_programs(optimizeimg)
     else:
         optimizeimg = None
+
+    if options.north_direction:
+        north_direction = options.north_direction
+    else:
+        north_direction = 'lower-left'
     
     logging.getLogger().setLevel(
         logging.getLogger().level + 10*options.quiet)
@@ -233,7 +240,7 @@ def main():
         logging.info("Notice: Not using biome data for tinting")
     
     # First do world-level preprocessing
-    w = world.World(worlddir, destdir, useBiomeData=useBiomeData, regionlist=regionlist)
+    w = world.World(worlddir, destdir, useBiomeData=useBiomeData, regionlist=regionlist, north_direction=north_direction)
     w.go(options.procs)
 
     logging.info("Rending the following tilesets: %s", ",".join(options.rendermode))
diff --git a/overviewer_core/chunk.py b/overviewer_core/chunk.py
index b885d51..9dd38f2 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/chunk.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/chunk.py
@@ -73,18 +73,30 @@ def get_lvldata(world, filename, x, y, retries=2):
 def get_blockarray(level):
     """Takes the level struct as returned from get_lvldata, and returns the
     Block array, which just contains all the block ids"""
-    return numpy.frombuffer(level['Blocks'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,128))
+    return level['Blocks']
 
-def get_blockarray_fromfile(filename):
+def get_blockarray_fromfile(filename, north_direction='lower-left'):
     """Same as get_blockarray except takes a filename. This is a shortcut"""
-    d =  nbt.load_from_region(filename, x, y)
+    d = nbt.load_from_region(filename, x, y, north_direction)
     level = d[1]['Level']
-    return get_blockarray(level)
+    chunk_data = level
+    rots = 0
+    if self.north_direction == 'upper-left':
+        rots = 1
+    elif self.north_direction == 'upper-right':
+        rots = 2
+    elif self.north_direction == 'lower-right':
+        rots = 3
+
+    chunk_data['Blocks'] = numpy.rot90(numpy.frombuffer(
+            level['Blocks'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,128)),
+            rots)
+    return get_blockarray(chunk_data)
 
 def get_skylight_array(level):
     """Returns the skylight array. This is 4 bits per block, but it is
     expanded for you so you may index it normally."""
-    skylight = numpy.frombuffer(level['SkyLight'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64))
+    skylight = level['SkyLight']
     # this array is 2 blocks per byte, so expand it
     skylight_expanded = numpy.empty((16,16,128), dtype=numpy.uint8)
     # Even elements get the lower 4 bits
@@ -97,7 +109,7 @@ def get_blocklight_array(level):
     """Returns the blocklight array. This is 4 bits per block, but it
     is expanded for you so you may index it normally."""
     # expand just like get_skylight_array()
-    blocklight = numpy.frombuffer(level['BlockLight'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64))
+    blocklight = level['BlockLight']
     blocklight_expanded = numpy.empty((16,16,128), dtype=numpy.uint8)
     blocklight_expanded[:,:,::2] = blocklight & 0x0F
     blocklight_expanded[:,:,1::2] = (blocklight & 0xF0) >> 4
@@ -106,7 +118,7 @@ def get_blocklight_array(level):
 def get_blockdata_array(level):
     """Returns the ancillary data from the 'Data' byte array.  Data is packed
     in a similar manner to skylight data"""
-    return numpy.frombuffer(level['Data'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64))
+    return level['Data']
 
 def get_tileentity_data(level):
     """Returns the TileEntities TAG_List from chunk dat file"""
diff --git a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass.png b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_lower-left.png
similarity index 100%
rename from overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass.png
rename to overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_lower-left.png
diff --git a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_lower-right.png b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_lower-right.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8990e7e
Binary files /dev/null and b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_lower-right.png differ
diff --git a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_upper-left.png b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_upper-left.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60e12d7
Binary files /dev/null and b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_upper-left.png differ
diff --git a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_upper-right.png b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_upper-right.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6291365
Binary files /dev/null and b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/compass_upper-right.png differ
diff --git a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewer.js b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewer.js
index 12ca796..cdf9339 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewer.js
+++ b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewer.js
@@ -536,6 +536,19 @@ var overviewer = {
             var perPixel = 1.0 / (overviewerConfig.CONST.tileSize *
                 Math.pow(2, overviewerConfig.map.zoomLevels));
 
+            if(overviewerConfig.map.north_direction == 'upper-left'){
+                temp = x;
+                x = -y-1;
+                y = temp;
+            } else if(overviewerConfig.map.north_direction == 'upper-right'){
+                x = -x-1;
+                y = -y-1;
+            } else if(overviewerConfig.map.north_direction == 'lower-right'){
+                temp = x;
+                x = y;
+                y = -temp-1;
+            }
+
             // This information about where the center column is may change with
             // a different drawing implementation -- check it again after any
             // drawing overhauls!
@@ -607,6 +620,19 @@ var overviewer = {
             point.x += 64;
             point.z -= 64;
 
+            if(overviewerConfig.map.north_direction == 'upper-left'){
+                temp = point.z;
+                point.z = -point.x;
+                point.x = temp;
+            } else if(overviewerConfig.map.north_direction == 'upper-right'){
+                point.x = -point.x;
+                point.z = -point.z;
+            } else if(overviewerConfig.map.north_direction == 'lower-right'){
+                temp = point.z;
+                point.z = point.x;
+                point.x = -temp;
+            }
+
             return point;
         },
         /**
diff --git a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewerConfig.js b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewerConfig.js
index bdb6015..c99398e 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewerConfig.js
+++ b/overviewer_core/data/web_assets/overviewerConfig.js
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ var overviewerConfig = {
         'image': {
             'defaultMarker':    'signpost.png',
             'signMarker':       'signpost_icon.png',
-            'compass':          'compass.png',
+            'compass':          'compass_{north_direction}.png',
             'spawnMarker':      'http://google-maps-icons.googlecode.com/files/home.png',
             'queryMarker':      'http://google-maps-icons.googlecode.com/files/regroup.png'
         },
@@ -94,7 +94,11 @@ var overviewerConfig = {
          * Set to true to turn on debug mode, which adds a grid to the map along
          * with co-ordinates and a bunch of console output.
          */
-        'debug':        false
+        'debug':        false,
+        /**
+         * Set which way north points.
+         */
+        'north_direction': '{north_direction}'
     },
     /**
      * Group definitions for objects that are partially selectable (signs and
diff --git a/overviewer_core/googlemap.py b/overviewer_core/googlemap.py
index a4fb156..82b4869 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/googlemap.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/googlemap.py
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ class MapGen(object):
         self.web_assets_hook = configInfo.get('web_assets_hook', None)
         self.web_assets_path = configInfo.get('web_assets_path', None)
         self.bg_color = configInfo.get('bg_color')
+        self.north_direction = configInfo.get('north_direction', 'lower-left')
         
         if not len(quadtrees) > 0:
             raise ValueError("there must be at least one quadtree to work on")
@@ -121,6 +122,8 @@ class MapGen(object):
                 "{maxzoom}", str(zoomlevel))
         config = config.replace(
                 "{zoomlevels}", str(zoomlevel))
+        config = config.replace(
+                "{north_direction}", self.north_direction)
         
         config = config.replace("{spawn_coords}",
                                 json.dumps(list(self.world.spawn)))
diff --git a/overviewer_core/nbt.py b/overviewer_core/nbt.py
index aa30700..895eca9 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/nbt.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/nbt.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import gzip, zlib
 import struct
 import StringIO
 import os
+import numpy
 
 # decorator to handle filename or object as first parameter
 def _file_loader(func):
@@ -34,15 +35,15 @@ def _file_loader(func):
 def load(fileobj):
     return NBTFileReader(fileobj).read_all()
 
-def load_from_region(filename, x, y):
-    nbt = load_region(filename).load_chunk(x, y)
+def load_from_region(filename, x, y, north_direction):
+    nbt = load_region(filename, north_direction).load_chunk(x, y)
     if nbt is None:
         return None ## return none.  I think this is who we should indicate missing chunks
         #raise IOError("No such chunk in region: (%i, %i)" % (x, y))     
     return nbt.read_all()
   
-def load_region(filename):            
-    return MCRFileReader(filename)
+def load_region(filename, north_direction):
+    return MCRFileReader(filename, north_direction)
   
   
 # compile the unpacker's into a classes
@@ -199,13 +200,24 @@ class MCRFileReader(object):
     chunks (as instances of NBTFileReader), getting chunk timestamps,
     and for listing chunks contained in the file."""
     
-    def __init__(self, filename):
+    def __init__(self, filename, north_direction):
         self._file = None
         self._filename = filename
+        self.north_direction = north_direction
         # cache used when the entire header tables are read in get_chunks()
         self._locations = None
         self._timestamps = None
         self._chunks = None
+
+    def get_north_rotations(self):
+        if self.north_direction == 'upper-left':
+            return 3
+        elif self.north_direction == 'upper-right':
+            return 2
+        elif self.north_direction == 'lower-right':
+            return 1
+        elif self.north_direction == 'lower-left':
+            return 0
     
     def _read_24bit_int(self):
         """Read in a 24-bit, big-endian int, used in the chunk
@@ -318,21 +330,24 @@ class MCRFileReader(object):
         self.openfile()
 
         self._chunks = None
-        self._locations = []
+        self._locations = [0]*32*32
         self._timestamps = []
         
         # go to the beginning of the file
         self._file.seek(0)        
         
         # read chunk location table
-        locations_append = self._locations.append
-        for _ in xrange(32*32): 
-            locations_append(self._read_chunk_location())
+        locations_index = numpy.reshape(numpy.rot90(numpy.reshape(range(32*32),
+                (32, 32)), -self.get_north_rotations()), -1)
+        for i in locations_index:
+            self._locations[i] = self._read_chunk_location()
         
         # read chunk timestamp table
         timestamp_append = self._timestamps.append
         for _ in xrange(32*32): 
             timestamp_append(self._read_chunk_timestamp())
+        self._timestamps = numpy.reshape(numpy.rot90(numpy.reshape(
+                self._timestamps, (32,32)),self.get_north_rotations()), -1)
  
         if closeFile:        
             self.closefile()
diff --git a/overviewer_core/rendernode.py b/overviewer_core/rendernode.py
index 054e2ea..016e287 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/rendernode.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/rendernode.py
@@ -65,7 +65,8 @@ def pool_initializer(rendernode):
     
     # make sure textures are generated for this process
     # and initialize c_overviewer
-    textures.generate(path=rendernode.options.get('textures_path', None))
+    textures.generate(path=rendernode.options.get('textures_path', None),
+            north_direction=rendernode.options.get('north_direction', None))
     c_overviewer.init_chunk_render()
     
     # load biome data in each process, if needed
diff --git a/overviewer_core/textures.py b/overviewer_core/textures.py
index c6ad4a1..dc5fd69 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/textures.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/textures.py
@@ -513,6 +513,9 @@ def generate_texture_tuple(img, blockid):
 
 def generate_special_texture(blockID, data):
     """Generates a special texture, such as a correctly facing minecraft track"""
+
+    data = convert_data(blockID, data)
+
     # blocks need to be handled here (and in chunk.py)
     
     if blockID == 2: # grass
@@ -1679,6 +1682,237 @@ def generate_special_texture(blockID, data):
 
     return None
 
+def convert_data(blockID, data):
+    if blockID == 26: # bed
+        #Masked to not clobber block head/foot info
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+    if blockID in (29, 33, 34): # sticky piston, piston, piston extension
+        #Masked to not clobber block head/foot info
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if (data & 0b0111) == 2: data = data & 0b1000 | 5
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 3: data = data & 0b1000 | 4
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 4: data = data & 0b1000 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 5: data = data & 0b1000 | 3
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if (data & 0b0111) == 2: data = data & 0b1000 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 3: data = data & 0b1000 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 4: data = data & 0b1000 | 5
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 5: data = data & 0b1000 | 4
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if (data & 0b0111) == 2: data = data & 0b1000 | 4
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 3: data = data & 0b1000 | 5
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 4: data = data & 0b1000 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 5: data = data & 0b1000 | 2
+    if blockID in (27, 28, 66): # minetrack:
+        #Masked to not clobber powered rail on/off info
+        #Ascending and flat straight
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if (data & 0b0111) == 0: data = data & 0b1000 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 1: data = data & 0b1000 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 2: data = data & 0b1000 | 5
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 3: data = data & 0b1000 | 4
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 4: data = data & 0b1000 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 5: data = data & 0b1000 | 3
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if (data & 0b0111) == 2: data = data & 0b1000 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 3: data = data & 0b1000 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 4: data = data & 0b1000 | 5
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 5: data = data & 0b1000 | 4
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if (data & 0b0111) == 0: data = data & 0b1000 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 1: data = data & 0b1000 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 2: data = data & 0b1000 | 4
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 3: data = data & 0b1000 | 5
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 4: data = data & 0b1000 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0111) == 5: data = data & 0b1000 | 2
+    if blockID == 66: # normal minetrack only
+        #Corners
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 6: data = 7
+            elif data == 7: data = 8
+            elif data == 8: data = 6
+            elif data == 9: data = 9
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 6: data = 8
+            elif data == 7: data = 9
+            elif data == 8: data = 6
+            elif data == 9: data = 7
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 6: data = 9
+            elif data == 7: data = 6
+            elif data == 8: data = 8
+            elif data == 9: data = 7
+    if blockID in (50, 75, 76): # torch, off/on redstone torch
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 1: data = 3
+            elif data == 2: data = 4
+            elif data == 3: data = 2
+            elif data == 4: data = 1
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 1: data = 2
+            elif data == 2: data = 1
+            elif data == 3: data = 4
+            elif data == 4: data = 3
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 1: data = 4
+            elif data == 2: data = 3
+            elif data == 3: data = 1
+            elif data == 4: data = 2
+    if blockID in (53,67): # wooden and cobblestone stairs.
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 0: data = 2
+            elif data == 1: data = 3
+            elif data == 2: data = 1
+            elif data == 3: data = 0
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 0: data = 1
+            elif data == 1: data = 0
+            elif data == 2: data = 3
+            elif data == 3: data = 2
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 0: data = 3
+            elif data == 1: data = 2
+            elif data == 2: data = 0
+            elif data == 3: data = 1
+    if blockID in (61, 62, 23): # furnace and burning furnace
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 2: data = 5
+            elif data == 3: data = 4
+            elif data == 4: data = 2
+            elif data == 5: data = 3
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 2: data = 3
+            elif data == 3: data = 2
+            elif data == 4: data = 5
+            elif data == 5: data = 4
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 2: data = 4
+            elif data == 3: data = 5
+            elif data == 4: data = 3
+            elif data == 5: data = 2
+    if blockID == 63: # signposts
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            data = (data + 4) % 16
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            data = (data + 8) % 16
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            data = (data + 12) % 16
+    if blockID in (64,71): # wooden/iron door
+        #Masked to not clobber block top/bottom & swung info
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+    if blockID == 65: # ladder
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 2: data = 5
+            elif data == 3: data = 4
+            elif data == 4: data = 2
+            elif data == 5: data = 3
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 2: data = 3
+            elif data == 3: data = 2
+            elif data == 4: data = 5
+            elif data == 5: data = 4
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 2: data = 4
+            elif data == 3: data = 5
+            elif data == 4: data = 3
+            elif data == 5: data = 2
+    if blockID == 68: # wall sign
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 2: data = 5
+            elif data == 3: data = 4
+            elif data == 4: data = 2
+            elif data == 5: data = 3
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 2: data = 3
+            elif data == 3: data = 2
+            elif data == 4: data = 5
+            elif data == 5: data = 4
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 2: data = 4
+            elif data == 3: data = 5
+            elif data == 4: data = 3
+            elif data == 5: data = 2
+    if blockID in (86,91): # pumpkins, jack-o-lantern
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if data == 0: data = 1
+            elif data == 1: data = 2
+            elif data == 2: data = 3
+            elif data == 3: data = 0
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if data == 0: data = 2
+            elif data == 1: data = 3
+            elif data == 2: data = 0
+            elif data == 3: data = 1
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if data == 0: data = 3
+            elif data == 1: data = 0
+            elif data == 2: data = 1
+            elif data == 3: data = 2
+    if blockID in (93, 94): # redstone repeaters, ON and OFF
+        #Masked to not clobber delay info
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+    if blockID == 96: # trapdoor
+        #Masked to not clobber opened/closed info
+        if _north == 'upper-left':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+        elif _north == 'upper-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+        elif _north == 'lower-right':
+            if (data & 0b0011) == 0: data = data & 0b1100 | 2
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 1: data = data & 0b1100 | 3
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 2: data = data & 0b1100 | 1
+            elif (data & 0b0011) == 3: data = data & 0b1100 | 0
+
+    return data
+
 def tintTexture(im, c):
     # apparently converting to grayscale drops the alpha channel?
     i = ImageOps.colorize(ImageOps.grayscale(im), (0,0,0), c)
@@ -1722,8 +1956,25 @@ def getBiomeData(worlddir, chunkX, chunkY):
     '''
 
     global currentBiomeFile, currentBiomeData
+    biomeX = chunkX // 32
+    biomeY = chunkY // 32
+    rots = 0
+    if _north == 'upper-left':
+        temp = biomeX
+        biomeX = biomeY
+        biomeY = -temp-1
+        rots = 3
+    elif _north == 'upper-right':
+        biomeX = -biomeX-1
+        biomeY = -biomeY-1
+        rots = 2
+    elif _north == 'lower-right':
+        temp = biomeX
+        biomeX = -biomeY-1
+        biomeY = temp
+        rots = 1
 
-    biomeFile = "b.%d.%d.biome" % (chunkX // 32, chunkY // 32)
+    biomeFile = "b.%d.%d.biome" % (biomeX, biomeY)
     if biomeFile == currentBiomeFile:
         return currentBiomeData
 
@@ -1733,7 +1984,9 @@ def getBiomeData(worlddir, chunkX, chunkY):
             # make sure the file size is correct
             if not len(rawdata) == 512 * 512 * 2:
                 raise Exception("Biome file %s is not valid." % (biomeFile,))
-            data = numpy.frombuffer(rawdata, dtype=numpy.dtype(">u2"))
+            data = numpy.reshape(numpy.rot90(numpy.reshape(
+                    numpy.frombuffer(rawdata, dtype=numpy.dtype(">u2")),
+                    (512,512)),rots), -1)
     except IOError:
         data = None
         pass # no biome data   
@@ -1822,7 +2075,10 @@ biome_tall_fern_texture = None
 biome_leaf_texture = None
 specialblockmap = None
 
-def generate(path=None,texture_size=24,bgc = (26,26,26,0)):
+def generate(path=None,texture_size=24,bgc = (26,26,26,0),north_direction='lower-left'):
+    global _north
+    _north = north_direction
+    global _find_file_local_path
     global bgcolor
     bgcolor = bgc
     global _find_file_local_path, texture_dimensions
diff --git a/overviewer_core/world.py b/overviewer_core/world.py
index ad98328..59b77c5 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/world.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/world.py
@@ -69,10 +69,11 @@ class World(object):
 
     mincol = maxcol = minrow = maxrow = 0
     
-    def __init__(self, worlddir, outputdir, useBiomeData=False,regionlist=None):
+    def __init__(self, worlddir, outputdir, useBiomeData=False, regionlist=None, north_direction="lower-left"):
         self.worlddir = worlddir
         self.outputdir = outputdir
         self.useBiomeData = useBiomeData
+        self.north_direction = north_direction
                 
         #find region files, or load the region list
         #this also caches all the region file header info
@@ -169,6 +170,18 @@ class World(object):
             data = nbt.read_all()    
             level = data[1]['Level']
             chunk_data = level
+            chunk_data['Blocks'] = numpy.array(numpy.rot90(numpy.frombuffer(
+                    level['Blocks'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,128)),
+                    self._get_north_rotations()))
+            chunk_data['Data'] = numpy.array(numpy.rot90(numpy.frombuffer(
+                    level['Data'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64)),
+                    self._get_north_rotations()))
+            chunk_data['SkyLight'] = numpy.array(numpy.rot90(numpy.frombuffer(
+                    level['SkyLight'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64)),
+                    self._get_north_rotations()))
+            chunk_data['BlockLight'] = numpy.array(numpy.rot90(numpy.frombuffer(
+                    level['BlockLight'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64)),
+                    self._get_north_rotations()))
             #chunk_data = {}
             #chunk_data['skylight'] = chunk.get_skylight_array(level)
             #chunk_data['blocklight'] = chunk.get_blocklight_array(level)
@@ -185,7 +198,7 @@ class World(object):
         if self.regions.get(filename) is not None:
             self.regions[filename][0].closefile()
         chunkcache = {}    
-        mcr = nbt.MCRFileReader(filename)
+        mcr = nbt.MCRFileReader(filename, self.north_direction)
         self.regions[filename] = (mcr,os.path.getmtime(filename),chunkcache)
         return mcr
         
@@ -201,7 +214,7 @@ class World(object):
         in the image each one should be. Returns (col, row)."""
         
         # columns are determined by the sum of the chunk coords, rows are the
-        # difference (TODO: be able to change direction of north)
+        # difference
         # change this function, and you MUST change unconvert_coords
         return (chunkx + chunky, chunky - chunkx)
     
@@ -219,9 +232,20 @@ class World(object):
 
         ## read spawn info from level.dat
         data = nbt.load(os.path.join(self.worlddir, "level.dat"))[1]
-        spawnX = data['Data']['SpawnX']
+        disp_spawnX = spawnX = data['Data']['SpawnX']
         spawnY = data['Data']['SpawnY']
-        spawnZ = data['Data']['SpawnZ']
+        disp_spawnZ = spawnZ = data['Data']['SpawnZ']
+        if self.north_direction == 'upper-left':
+            temp = spawnX
+            spawnX = -spawnZ
+            spawnZ = temp
+        elif self.north_direction == 'upper-right':
+            spawnX = -spawnX
+            spawnZ = -spawnZ
+        elif self.north_direction == 'lower-right':
+            temp = spawnX
+            spawnX = spawnZ
+            spawnZ = -temp
    
         ## The chunk that holds the spawn location 
         chunkX = spawnX/16
@@ -231,7 +255,7 @@ class World(object):
             ## The filename of this chunk
             chunkFile = self.get_region_path(chunkX, chunkY)
             if chunkFile is not None:
-                data = nbt.load_from_region(chunkFile, chunkX, chunkY)[1]
+                data = nbt.load_from_region(chunkFile, chunkX, chunkY, self.north_direction)[1]
                 if data is not None:
                     level = data['Level']
                     blockArray = numpy.frombuffer(level['Blocks'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,128))
@@ -248,9 +272,9 @@ class World(object):
         except ChunkCorrupt:
             #ignore corrupt spawn, and continue
             pass
-        self.POI.append( dict(x=spawnX, y=spawnY, z=spawnZ, 
+        self.POI.append( dict(x=disp_spawnX, y=spawnY, z=disp_spawnZ,
                 msg="Spawn", type="spawn", chunk=(chunkX, chunkY)))
-        self.spawn = (spawnX, spawnY, spawnZ)
+        self.spawn = (disp_spawnX, spawnY, disp_spawnZ)
 
     def go(self, procs):
         """Scan the world directory, to fill in
@@ -296,6 +320,16 @@ class World(object):
 
         self.findTrueSpawn()
 
+    def _get_north_rotations(self):
+        if self.north_direction == 'upper-left':
+            return 1
+        elif self.north_direction == 'upper-right':
+            return 2
+        elif self.north_direction == 'lower-right':
+            return 3
+        elif self.north_direction == 'lower-left':
+            return 0
+
     def _iterate_regionfiles(self,regionlist=None):
         """Returns an iterator of all of the region files, along with their 
         coordinates
@@ -312,7 +346,20 @@ class World(object):
                 if f.startswith("r.") and f.endswith(".mcr"):
                     p = f.split(".")
                     logging.debug("Using path %s from regionlist", f)
-                    yield (int(p[1]), int(p[2]), join(self.worlddir, 'region', f))        
+                    x = int(p[1])
+                    y = int(p[2])
+                    if self.north_direction == 'upper-left':
+                        temp = x
+                        x = -y-1
+                        y = temp
+                    elif self.north_direction == 'upper-right':
+                        x = -x-1
+                        y = -y-1
+                    elif self.north_direction == 'lower-right':
+                        temp = x
+                        x = y
+                        y = -temp-1
+                    yield (x, y, join(self.worlddir, 'region', f))
                 else:
                     logging.warning("Ignore path '%s' in regionlist", f)
 
@@ -320,7 +367,20 @@ class World(object):
             for path in glob(os.path.join(self.worlddir, 'region') + "/r.*.*.mcr"):
                 dirpath, f = os.path.split(path)
                 p = f.split(".")
-                yield (int(p[1]), int(p[2]), join(dirpath, f))
+                x = int(p[1])
+                y = int(p[2])
+                if self.north_direction == 'upper-left':
+                    temp = x
+                    x = -y-1
+                    y = temp
+                elif self.north_direction == 'upper-right':
+                    x = -x-1
+                    y = -y-1
+                elif self.north_direction == 'lower-right':
+                    temp = x
+                    x = y
+                    y = -temp-1
+                yield (x, y, join(dirpath, f))
 
 def get_save_dir():
     """Returns the path to the local saves directory
diff --git a/sample.settings.py b/sample.settings.py
index 3b6aed2..cccdac8 100644
--- a/sample.settings.py
+++ b/sample.settings.py
@@ -152,6 +152,14 @@ verbose = 1
 if "web_assets_hook" in locals():
     skipjs = True
 
+################################################################################
+### north_direction
+## Make north point somewhere else!
+## Valid options are 'lower-left', 'upper-left', 'upper-right', 'upper-left'
+## default: lower-left
+## Type: string
+## Example:
+north_direction = "upper-right"