XML is/can be much more than a markup language and yes, it can be used very badly but this is usually by inexperienced 'data wranglers' who don't understand the

XML is/can be much more than a markup language and yes, it can be used very badly but this is usually by inexperienced 'data wranglers' who don't understand the difference between data attributes and data proper. While XML can seem cumbersome (compared to JSON say) it is a very good 'data transport' tool when used correctly with a sensible schema (XSD). For example, we use XML as a 'vendor neutral' data format to export/import CAD geometry and associated data for town utilities such as buildings, pipes, roads etc. All this data has to be validated against the schema to ensure its correctness. Using a schema like this enables the city council to import this XML into the GIS system to be used for asset management, financial planning etc. A good schema can be key to sharing XML effectively between departments/applications and being a markup language this data can also be viewed independently using XLST.