I'm trying to figure out how I can best save the map data for a 2d ORPG engine I am developing, the file would contain tile data (Is it blocked, what actual graphics would it use, and various other properties).
I am currently using a binary format but I think this might be a bit too limited and hard to debug, what alternatives are there, I was thinking about perhaps JSON or XML but I don't know if there are any other better options.
It has to work with C++ and C# and preferably also with Python.
Personally, I would stick with a binary format.  Whatever method you choose, it's going to be a pain in the ass to edit by hand anyway, so you may as well stick to binary which gives you a size and speed advantage.
You're also going to want a map editor anyway so that you do not have to edit it by hand.
Saving map data in a 2d ORPG