Birmingham Metro Area Alabama USA Vector Map Exact Extra High Detailed Street Map Adobe Illustrator in layers

Printable Vector Map of Birmingham Metro Area Alabama USA high detailed scale 1:3919 full editable Adobe Illustrator Street Map in layers, scalable, text format  all names, 42 MB ZIP
All street names, Main Objects,  Buildings. Map for design, printing, arts, projects, presentations, for architects, designers, and builders, business, logistics. 

Layers list:

1. Legend
2. Grids
3. Labels of roads
4. Names of places (city, hamlet, etc.)
5. Names of objects (hospitals, parks, water)
6. Names of main streets
7. Names of secondary streets
8. Names of principal buildings
9. Arrows of streets
10. Main Streets, roads,
11. Railroads
12. Secondary streets
13. Railroads
14. Buildings
15. Buildings 2 transparent 50%
16. Airports and heliports
17. Water objects (rivers, lakes, ponds)
18. Color fills (parks, hospital areas, land use, etc.)
19. Back

The most exact and detailed map of the city in scale.
For Editing and High-Quality Printing

Geographical Description of Birmingham, Alabama

Location and Regional Context

Birmingham is the largest city in the U.S. state of Alabama and serves as the county seat of Jefferson County, though it also extends into parts of Shelby and St. Clair counties. It is located in the north-central region of the state, within the southern Appalachian Mountains’ foothills. The city lies approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) southwest of Atlanta, Georgia, and about 300 miles (480 kilometers) southeast of Nashville, Tennessee. Its geographic coordinates are 33.5207° N latitude and 86.8025° W longitude .

Birmingham is part of the Piedmont Plateau , a transitional zone between the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Gulf Coastal Plain to the south. This positioning gives the city a unique topography characterized by rolling hills, ridges, and valleys, which contribute to its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems.

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Topography

The city’s terrain is marked by moderate elevation changes, with most areas ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet (150 to 300 meters) above sea level. Red Mountain, a prominent ridge running southwest to northeast through the city, is one of the most notable geographical features. This mountain not only provides a natural boundary for the city but also contains significant deposits of iron ore, limestone, and coal—resources that fueled Birmingham’s rapid industrial growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Other key landforms include:

• Jones Valley : A fertile valley where much of downtown Birmingham is situated. It stretches east-west and has historically been an important agricultural and industrial corridor.
• Ruffner Mountain : Located to the east, this area is home to Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the region.
• Shoal Creek Valley : Situated to the north, this valley is known for its suburban neighborhoods and recreational opportunities.

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Climate

Birmingham experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) according to the Köppen climate classification system. This means the city has hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. Key climatic characteristics include:

• Summers : Long and warm, with average high temperatures reaching the mid-90s°F (around 35°C) in July and August. Humidity levels are often high, contributing to the perception of oppressive heat.
• Winters : Mild but occasionally chilly, with average low temperatures dropping to around 34°F (1°C) in January. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of, typically occurring once or twice per year.
• Precipitation : Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging about 53 inches (1,350 mm) annually. Thunderstorms are common, especially during spring and summer months.
• Severe Weather : Birmingham lies within the “Dixie Alley,” a region prone to tornadoes. Springtime is particularly active, with severe storms and occasional tornado outbreaks.

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Waterways

Several waterways play a crucial role in shaping Birmingham’s geography and supporting its ecosystem:

• Black Warrior River : Although the river itself does not flow directly through Birmingham, it is connected via smaller tributaries such as Village Creek and Shades Creek. These creeks drain into the Black Warrior River, which eventually joins the Tombigbee River en route to Mobile Bay.
• Village Creek : A major stream that runs through northern Birmingham, providing drainage and habitat for local wildlife.
• Shades Creek : Flows along the southern edge of the city, contributing to the region’s hydrology and serving as a focal point for parks and green spaces.

These water systems have historically influenced settlement patterns and continue to support biodiversity while posing occasional flood risks.

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Urban Layout and Land Use

Birmingham’s urban layout reflects its historical development as an industrial hub. The city center is concentrated around the intersection of Interstate 65 (I-65) and Interstate 20/59 (I-20/59) , two major highways that facilitate connectivity across the southeastern United States. Downtown Birmingham is compact and features a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks.

The surrounding metropolitan area includes numerous suburbs, each with distinct identities. Notable neighborhoods and districts include:

• Five Points South : Known for its vibrant arts scene, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Avondale : A trendy neighborhood undergoing revitalization, featuring craft breweries and eclectic shops.
• Homewood : A suburban community south of downtown, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and upscale amenities.

Industrial zones are scattered throughout the region, particularly near rail lines and major highways, reflecting Birmingham’s legacy as a manufacturing and steel production center.

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Natural Resources

Birmingham owes much of its historical significance to its abundant natural resources:

• Iron Ore : Found in Red Mountain and other nearby ridges, iron ore was critical to the city’s emergence as a steel-producing powerhouse.
• Coal : Deposits in the surrounding areas provided fuel for smelting operations.
• Limestone : Used in the steelmaking process, limestone was another vital resource mined locally.

These materials earned Birmingham the nickname “The Pittsburgh of the South” due to its resemblance to Pennsylvania’s steel capital in terms of industrial output.

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Environmental Considerations

While Birmingham’s geography has supported economic growth, it has also presented environmental challenges:

• Air Quality : Industrial activities have historically contributed to air pollution, though regulations and technological advancements have improved conditions in recent decades.
• Water Management : Urbanization and industrial runoff have impacted local waterways, necessitating ongoing conservation efforts.
• Green Spaces : Parks like Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Railroad Park, and Oak Mountain State Park provide residents with opportunities for recreation and help preserve the region’s natural beauty.

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Conclusion

Birmingham’s geography—a blend of rolling hills, mineral-rich mountains, and fertile valleys—has profoundly shaped its history, economy, and culture. From its origins as an industrial boomtown to its current status as a growing metropolitan area, the city’s physical environment continues to influence its development trajectory. With its strategic location, diverse landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, Birmingham remains a dynamic and evolving urban center in the heart of the American South.