diff --git a/CONTRIBUTORS.rst b/CONTRIBUTORS.rst
index 174ebe7..21afa74 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTORS.rst
+++ b/CONTRIBUTORS.rst
@@ -52,9 +52,11 @@ feature.
  * Ryan Hitchman <hitchmanr@gmail.com>
  * Jenny <jennytoo@gmail.com>
  * Michael Jensen <emjay1988@gmail.com>
- * Maciej Małecki <maciej.malecki@hotmail.com>
+ * Thomas Lake <tswsl1989@sucs.org>
+ * Maciej Malecki <maciej.malecki@hotmail.com>
  * Ryan McCue <ryanmccue@cubegames.net>
  * Morlok8k <otis.spankmeyer@gmail.com>
+ * Ryan Rector <rmrector@gmail.com>
  * Gregory Short <gshort2@gmail.com>
  * Sam Steele <sam@sigbox.c99.org>
  * timwolla <timwolla@mail.develfusion.com>
diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index 942e4cb..0548053 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -195,6 +195,13 @@ 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.
+    If you do not specify this option, it will default to whatever direction
+    the existing map uses. For new maps, it defaults to lower-left for
+    historical reasons.
+
 --settings=PATH
     Use this option to load settings from a file. The format of this file is
     given below.
@@ -228,8 +235,8 @@ zoom=ZOOM
 
     This is equivalent to setting the dimensions of the highest zoom level. It
     does not actually change how the map is rendered, but rather *how much of
-    the map is rendered.* (Calling this option "zoom" may be a bit misleading,
-    I know)
+    the map is rendered.* Setting this option too low *will crop your map.*
+    (Calling this option "zoom" may be a bit misleading, I know)
    
     To be precise, it sets the width and height of the highest zoom level, in
     tiles. A zoom level of z means the highest zoom level of your map will be
@@ -264,6 +271,10 @@ 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/contrib/playerInspect.py b/contrib/playerInspect.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c520788
--- /dev/null
+++ b/contrib/playerInspect.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+import sys
+
+sys.path.append(".")
+
+from overviewer_core.nbt import load
+from overviewer_core import items
+
+print "Inspecting %s" % sys.argv[1]
+
+data  = load(sys.argv[1])[1]
+
+
+print "Position:  %r" % data['Pos']
+print "Health:    %s" % data['Health']
+print "Inventory: %d items" % len(data['Inventory'])
+for item in data['Inventory']:
+    print "  %-3d %s" % (item['Count'], items.id2item(item['id']))
+
diff --git a/overviewer.py b/overviewer.py
index cbd3f37..b0103b7 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', 'auto']
     
     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", action="store", helptext="Specifies which corner of the screen north will point to. Defaults to whatever the current map uses, or lower-left for new maps. Valid options are: " + ", ".join(avail_north_dirs) + ".", type="choice", default="auto", 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)
 
@@ -152,6 +154,17 @@ def main():
         sys.exit(1)
     worlddir = args[0]
 
+    if len(args) > 2:
+        # it's possible the user has a space in one of their paths but didn't properly escape it
+        # attempt to detect this case
+        for start in range(len(args)):
+            if not os.path.exists(args[start]):
+                for end in range(start+1, len(args)+1):
+                    if os.path.exists(" ".join(args[start:end])):
+                        logging.warning("It looks like you meant to specify \"%s\" as your world dir or your output\n\
+dir but you forgot to put quotes around the directory, since it contains spaces." % " ".join(args[start:end]))
+                        sys.exit(1)
+
     if not os.path.exists(worlddir):
         # world given is either world number, or name
         worlds = world.get_worlds()
@@ -219,6 +232,11 @@ def main():
         optimizeimages.check_programs(optimizeimg)
     else:
         optimizeimg = None
+
+    if options.north_direction:
+        north_direction = options.north_direction
+    else:
+        north_direction = 'auto'
     
     logging.getLogger().setLevel(
         logging.getLogger().level + 10*options.quiet)
@@ -233,7 +251,17 @@ 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)
+    if north_direction == 'auto':
+        north_direction = w.persistentData['north_direction']
+        options.north_direction = north_direction
+    elif w.persistentData['north_direction'] != north_direction and not options.forcerender and not w.persistentDataIsNew:
+        logging.error("Conflicting north-direction setting!")
+        logging.error("Overviewer.dat gives previous north-direction as "+w.persistentData['north_direction'])
+        logging.error("Requested north-direction was "+north_direction)
+        logging.error("To change north-direction of an existing render, --forcerender must be specified")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    
     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..50ff422 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)))
@@ -157,9 +160,6 @@ class MapGen(object):
 
 
     def finalize(self):
-        if self.skipjs:
-            return
-
         # since we will only discover PointsOfInterest in chunks that need to be 
         # [re]rendered, POIs like signs in unchanged chunks will not be listed
         # in self.world.POI.  To make sure we don't remove these from markers.js
@@ -172,6 +172,17 @@ class MapGen(object):
         else:
             markers = self.world.POI
 
+        # save persistent data
+        self.world.persistentData['POI'] = self.world.POI
+        self.world.persistentData['north_direction'] = self.world.north_direction
+        with open(self.world.pickleFile,"wb") as f:
+            cPickle.dump(self.world.persistentData,f)
+
+        
+        # the rest of the function is javascript stuff
+        if self.skipjs:
+            return
+
         # write out the default marker table
         with open(os.path.join(self.destdir, "markers.js"), 'w') as output:
             output.write("overviewer.collections.markerDatas.push([\n")
@@ -182,11 +193,6 @@ class MapGen(object):
                 output.write("\n")
             output.write("]);\n")
         
-        # save persistent data
-        self.world.persistentData['POI'] = self.world.POI
-        with open(self.world.pickleFile,"wb") as f:
-            cPickle.dump(self.world.persistentData,f)
-
         # write out the default (empty, but documented) region table
         with open(os.path.join(self.destdir, "regions.js"), 'w') as output:
             output.write('overviewer.collections.regionDatas.push([\n')
diff --git a/overviewer_core/items.py b/overviewer_core/items.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b01aed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/overviewer_core/items.py
@@ -0,0 +1,211 @@
+items = {
+    0: 'Air',
+    1: 'Stone',
+    2: 'Grass',
+    3: 'Dirt',
+    4: 'Cobblestone',
+    5: 'Wooden plank',
+    6: 'Sapling',
+    7: 'Bedrock',
+    8: 'Water',
+    9: 'Stationary',
+    10: 'Lava',
+    11: 'Stationary',
+    12: 'Sand',
+    13: 'Gravel',
+    14: 'Gold ore',
+    15: 'Iron ore',
+    16: 'Coal ore',
+    17: 'Wood',
+    18: 'Leaves',
+    19: 'Sponge',
+    20: 'Glass',
+    21: 'Lapis lazuli ore',
+    22: 'Lapis lazuli block',
+    23: 'Dispenser',
+    24: 'Sandstone',
+    25: 'Note block',
+    26: 'Bed',
+    27: 'Powered rail',
+    28: 'Detector rail',
+    29: 'Sticky piston',
+    30: 'Cobweb',
+    31: 'Tall grass',
+    32: 'Dead shrubs',
+    33: 'Piston',
+    34: 'Piston extension',
+    35: 'Wool',
+    36: 'Block moved by piston',
+    37: 'Dandelion',
+    38: 'Rose',
+    39: 'Brown mushroom',
+    40: 'Red mushroom',
+    41: 'Block of gold',
+    42: 'Block of iron',
+    43: 'Double slabs',
+    44: 'Slabs',
+    45: 'Brick block',
+    46: 'TNT',
+    47: 'Bookshelf',
+    48: 'Moss stone',
+    49: 'Obsidian',
+    50: 'Torch',
+    51: 'Fire',
+    52: 'Monster spawner',
+    53: 'Wooden stairs',
+    54: 'Chest',
+    55: 'Redstone wire',
+    56: 'Diamond ore',
+    57: 'Block of diamond',
+    58: 'Crafting table',
+    59: 'Seeds',
+    60: 'Farmland',
+    61: 'Furnace',
+    62: 'Burning furnace',
+    63: 'Sign',
+    64: 'Wooden door',
+    65: 'Ladders',
+    66: 'Rails',
+    67: 'Cobblestone stairs',
+    68: 'Wall sign',
+    69: 'Lever',
+    70: 'Stone pressure plate',
+    71: 'Iron door',
+    72: 'Wooden pressure plate',
+    73: 'Redstone ore',
+    74: 'Glowing redstone ore',
+    75: 'Redstone torch (off)',
+    76: 'Redstone torch (on)',
+    77: 'Stone button',
+    78: 'Snow',
+    79: 'Ice',
+    80: 'Snow block',
+    81: 'Cactus',
+    82: 'Clay block',
+    83: 'Sugar cane',
+    84: 'Jukebox',
+    85: 'Fence',
+    86: 'Pumpkin',
+    87: 'Netherrack',
+    88: 'Soul sand',
+    89: 'Glowstone block',
+    90: 'Portal',
+    91: 'Jack-O-Lantern',
+    92: 'Cake',
+    93: 'Redstone repeater (off)',
+    94: 'Redstone repeater (on)',
+    95: 'Locked',
+    96: 'Trapdoor',
+    256: 'Iron shovel',
+    257: 'Iron pickaxe',
+    258: 'Iron axe',
+    259: 'Flint and steel',
+    260: 'Red apple',
+    261: 'Bow',
+    262: 'Arrow',
+    263: 'Coal',
+    264: 'Diamond',
+    265: 'Iron ingot',
+    266: 'Gold ingot',
+    267: 'Iron sword',
+    268: 'Wooden sword',
+    269: 'Wooden shovel',
+    270: 'Wooden pickaxe',
+    271: 'Wooden axe',
+    272: 'Stone sword',
+    273: 'Stone shovel',
+    274: 'Stone pickaxe',
+    275: 'Stone axe',
+    276: 'Diamond sword',
+    277: 'Diamond shovel',
+    278: 'Diamond pickaxe',
+    279: 'Diamond axe',
+    280: 'Stick',
+    281: 'Bowl',
+    282: 'Mushroom soup',
+    283: 'Gold sword',
+    284: 'Gold shovel',
+    285: 'Gold pickaxe',
+    286: 'Gold axe',
+    287: 'String',
+    288: 'Feather',
+    289: 'Gunpowder',
+    290: 'Wooden hoe',
+    291: 'Stone hoe',
+    292: 'Iron hoe',
+    293: 'Diamond hoe',
+    294: 'Gold hoe',
+    295: 'Seeds',
+    296: 'Wheat',
+    297: 'Bread',
+    298: 'Leather cap',
+    299: 'Leather tunic',
+    300: 'Leather pants',
+    301: 'Leather boots',
+    302: 'Chain helmet',
+    303: 'Chain chestplate',
+    304: 'Chain leggings',
+    305: 'Chain boots',
+    306: 'Iron helmet',
+    307: 'Iron chestplate',
+    308: 'Iron leggings',
+    309: 'Iron boots',
+    310: 'Diamond helmet',
+    311: 'Diamond chestplate',
+    312: 'Diamond leggings',
+    313: 'Diamond boots',
+    314: 'Gold helmet',
+    315: 'Gold chestplate',
+    316: 'Gold leggings',
+    317: 'Gold boots',
+    318: 'Flint',
+    319: 'Raw porkchop',
+    320: 'Cooked porkchop',
+    321: 'Paintings',
+    322: 'Golden apple',
+    323: 'Sign',
+    324: 'Wooden door',
+    325: 'Bucket',
+    326: 'Water bucket',
+    327: 'Lava bucket',
+    328: 'Minecart',
+    329: 'Saddle',
+    330: 'Iron door',
+    331: 'Redstone',
+    332: 'Snowball',
+    333: 'Boat',
+    334: 'Leather',
+    335: 'Milk',
+    336: 'Clay brick',
+    337: 'Clay',
+    338: 'Sugar cane',
+    339: 'Paper',
+    340: 'Book',
+    341: 'Slimeball',
+    342: 'Minecart with chest',
+    343: 'Minecart with furnace',
+    344: 'Egg',
+    345: 'Compass',
+    346: 'Fishing rod',
+    347: 'Clock',
+    348: 'Glowstone dust',
+    349: 'Raw fish',
+    350: 'Cooked fish',
+    351: 'Dye',
+    352: 'Bone',
+    353: 'Sugar',
+    354: 'Cake',
+    355: 'Bed',
+    356: 'Redstone repeater',
+    357: 'Cookie',
+    358: 'Map',
+    359: 'Shears',
+    2256: 'Gold music disc',
+    2257: 'Green music disc'
+}
+
+def id2item(item_id):
+    if item_id in items:
+        return items[item_id]
+    else:
+        return item_id
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/quadtree.py b/overviewer_core/quadtree.py
index 2e77576..a5d843f 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/quadtree.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/quadtree.py
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@ class QuadtreeGen(object):
             tile_mtime = None
             
         #check mtimes on each part of the quad, this also checks if they exist
-        needs_rerender = tile_mtime is None
+        needs_rerender = (tile_mtime is None) or self.forcerender
         quadPath_filtered = []
         for path in quadPath:
             try:
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ class QuadtreeGen(object):
             if tile_mtime is not None:
                 os.unlink(imgpath)
             return
-        # quit now if we don't need rerender            
+        # quit now if we don't need rerender
         if not needs_rerender:
             return    
         #logging.debug("writing out innertile {0}".format(imgpath))
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/src/composite.c b/overviewer_core/src/composite.c
index 432ece8..d83701c 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/src/composite.c
+++ b/overviewer_core/src/composite.c
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ alpha_over_full(PyObject *dest, PyObject *src, PyObject *mask, float overall_alp
             }
             
             /* special cases */
-            if (in_alpha == 255 || *outmask == 0) {
+            if (in_alpha == 255 || (*outmask == 0 && in_alpha > 0)) {
                 *outmask = in_alpha;
 
                 *out = *in;
diff --git a/overviewer_core/src/overviewer.h b/overviewer_core/src/overviewer.h
index e7057e7..9dd2526 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/src/overviewer.h
+++ b/overviewer_core/src/overviewer.h
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 // increment this value if you've made a change to the c extesion
 // and want to force users to rebuild
-#define OVERVIEWER_EXTENSION_VERSION 8
+#define OVERVIEWER_EXTENSION_VERSION 10
 
 /* Python PIL, and numpy headers */
 #include <Python.h>
diff --git a/overviewer_core/src/rendermode-lighting.c b/overviewer_core/src/rendermode-lighting.c
index 057331a..2c8b9b1 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/src/rendermode-lighting.c
+++ b/overviewer_core/src/rendermode-lighting.c
@@ -185,9 +185,14 @@ get_lighting_coefficient(RenderModeLighting *self, RenderState *state,
         
         /* stairs and half-blocks take the skylevel from the upper block if it's transparent */
         if (local_z != 127) {
-            upper_block = getArrayByte3D(blocks, local_x, local_y, local_z + 1);
+            int upper_counter = 0;
+            /* but if the upper_block is one of these special half-steps, we need to look at *its* upper_block */
+            do {
+                upper_counter++; 
+                upper_block = getArrayByte3D(blocks, local_x, local_y, local_z + upper_counter);
+            } while ((upper_block == 44 || upper_block == 54 || upper_block == 67) && local_z < 127);
             if (is_transparent(upper_block)) {
-                skylevel = getArrayByte3D(skylight, local_x, local_y, local_z + 1);
+                skylevel = getArrayByte3D(skylight, local_x, local_y, local_z + upper_counter);
             }
         } else {
             upper_block = 0;
@@ -195,7 +200,7 @@ get_lighting_coefficient(RenderModeLighting *self, RenderState *state,
         }
         
         /* the block has a bad blocklevel, estimate it from neigborhood
-        /* use given coordinates, no local ones! */
+         * use given coordinates, no local ones! */
         blocklevel = estimate_blocklevel(self, state, x, y, z, NULL);
 
     }
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 a18b86a..6c4c6f3 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/world.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/world.py
@@ -69,11 +69,70 @@ 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="auto"):
         self.worlddir = worlddir
         self.outputdir = outputdir
         self.useBiomeData = useBiomeData
-                
+        self.north_direction = north_direction
+        
+        # figure out chunk format is in use
+        # if not mcregion, error out early
+        data = nbt.load(os.path.join(self.worlddir, "level.dat"))[1]['Data']
+        #print data
+        if not ('version' in data and data['version'] == 19132):
+            logging.error("Sorry, This version of Minecraft-Overviewer only works with the new McRegion chunk format")
+            sys.exit(1)
+
+        #  stores Points Of Interest to be mapped with markers
+        #  a list of dictionaries, see below for an example
+        self.POI = []
+
+        # if it exists, open overviewer.dat, and read in the data structure
+        # info self.persistentData.  This dictionary can hold any information
+        # that may be needed between runs.
+        # Currently only holds into about POIs (more more details, see quadtree)
+        
+        self.oldPickleFile = os.path.join(self.worlddir, "overviewer.dat")
+        self.pickleFile = os.path.join(self.outputdir, "overviewer.dat")    
+        
+        if os.path.exists(self.oldPickleFile):
+            logging.warning("overviewer.dat detected in WorldDir - this is no longer the correct location")
+            if os.path.exists(self.pickleFile):
+                # new file exists, so make a note of it
+                logging.warning("you should delete the `overviewer.dat' file in your world directory")
+            else:
+                # new file does not exist, so move the old one
+                logging.warning("Moving overviewer.dat to OutputDir")
+                import shutil
+                try:
+                    # make sure destination dir actually exists
+                    try:
+                        os.mkdir(self.outputdir)
+                    except OSError: # already exists, or failed
+                        pass
+                    shutil.move(self.oldPickleFile, self.pickleFile)
+                    logging.info("overviewer.dat moved")
+                except BaseException as ex:
+                    logging.error("Unable to move overviewer.dat")
+                    logging.debug(ex.str())
+
+        if os.path.exists(self.pickleFile):
+            self.persistentDataIsNew = False;
+            with open(self.pickleFile,"rb") as p:
+                self.persistentData = cPickle.load(p)
+                if not self.persistentData.get('north_direction', False):
+                    # this is a pre-configurable-north map, so add the north_direction key
+                    self.persistentData['north_direction'] = 'lower-left'
+        else:
+            # some defaults, presumably a new map
+            self.persistentData = dict(POI=[], north_direction='lower-left')
+            self.persistentDataIsNew = True # indicates that the values in persistentData are new defaults, and it's OK to override them
+        
+        # handle 'auto' north
+        if self.north_direction == 'auto':
+            self.north_direction = self.persistentData['north_direction']
+            north_direction = self.north_direction
+        
         #find region files, or load the region list
         #this also caches all the region file header info
         logging.info("Scanning regions")
@@ -96,43 +155,6 @@ class World(object):
         self.empty_chunk = [None,None]
         logging.debug("Done scanning regions")
         
-        # figure out chunk format is in use
-        # if not mcregion, error out early
-        data = nbt.load(os.path.join(self.worlddir, "level.dat"))[1]['Data']
-        #print data
-        if not ('version' in data and data['version'] == 19132):
-            logging.error("Sorry, This version of Minecraft-Overviewer only works with the new McRegion chunk format")
-            sys.exit(1)
-
-        #  stores Points Of Interest to be mapped with markers
-        #  a list of dictionaries, see below for an example
-        self.POI = []
-
-        # if it exists, open overviewer.dat, and read in the data structure
-        # info self.persistentData.  This dictionary can hold any information
-        # that may be needed between runs.
-        # Currently only holds into about POIs (more more details, see quadtree)
-        
-        self.pickleFile = os.path.join(self.worlddir, "overviewer.dat")
-        if os.path.exists(self.pickleFile):
-            logging.warning("overviewer.dat detected in WorldDir - this is no longer the correct location")
-            logging.warning("Moving overviewer.dat to OutputDir")
-            import shutil
-            try:
-                shutil.move(self.pickleFile, self.outputdir)
-                logging.info("overviewer.dat moved")
-            except BaseException as ex:
-                logging.error("Unable to move overviewer.dat")
-                logging.debug(ex.str())
-
-        self.pickleFile = os.path.join(self.outputdir, "overviewer.dat")    
-        if os.path.exists(self.pickleFile):
-            with open(self.pickleFile,"rb") as p:
-                self.persistentData = cPickle.load(p)
-        else:
-            # some defaults
-            self.persistentData = dict(POI=[])
-        
  
     def get_region_path(self, chunkX, chunkY):
         """Returns the path to the region that contains chunk (chunkX, chunkY)
@@ -164,6 +186,18 @@ 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)
@@ -180,7 +214,7 @@ 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
         
@@ -196,7 +230,7 @@ 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)
     
@@ -214,9 +248,20 @@ 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
@@ -226,7 +271,7 @@ 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))
@@ -243,9 +288,9 @@ 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
@@ -291,6 +336,16 @@ 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
@@ -307,7 +362,20 @@ 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)
 
@@ -315,7 +383,20 @@ 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..f5761ea 100644
--- a/sample.settings.py
+++ b/sample.settings.py
@@ -33,7 +33,9 @@ if procs < 1: procs = 1
 ## Sets the zoom level manually instead of calculating it. This can be useful
 ## if you have outlier chunks that make your world too big.  This value will
 ## make the highest zoom level contain (2**ZOOM)^2 tiles
-## Normally you should not need to set this variable.
+## ***Normally you should not need to set this variable.***
+## ***Setting it too low will crop your map!***
+## Seriously, check the README before using this.
 ## Default: Automatically calculated from your world
 ## Type: integer
 ## Example:
@@ -152,10 +154,19 @@ 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"
 
 
 
-### As a reminder, don't use this file verbatim, it should only be used as
-### a guide.
+### As a reminder, *don't use this file verbatim*, it should only be used as
+### a guide. Be sure to read what each option does before you set it.
+### See the README for more details.
 import sys
 sys.exit("This sample-settings file shouldn't be used directly!")
diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index a52880c..823b5d3 100755
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -91,6 +91,10 @@ def recursive_package_data(src, package_dir='overviewer_core'):
 #
 
 if py2exe is not None:
+    setup_kwargs['comments'] = "http://overviewer.org"
+    # py2exe likes a very particular type of version number:
+    setup_kwargs['version'] = util.findGitVersion().replace("-",".")
+
     setup_kwargs['console'] = ['overviewer.py', 'contribManager.py']
     setup_kwargs['data_files'] = [('', doc_files)]
     setup_kwargs['data_files'] += recursive_data_files('overviewer_core/data/textures', 'textures')