Need some advice... XML or NOT?

I have a project that is a location finder, and I’m in the initial stages of building it and need some advice as to what might be the best way to build it.

I’ve attached an image to show you what the layout loks like.

Basically the page is divided into 2 columns. The left side is the map with gray stars indicating the locations and the right side is the SCROLLABLE list of locations. When someone clicks on the location on the right side… a star would would turn red or highlight on the map. The location on the right would also highlight.

I would like this to be dynamic since there are over 300 locations. So all this being said… Would XML be able to do the job or would you suggest something else?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS. if you have any links to tutorials that might help me, post those too.
Thanks a bundle