For developing countries it is very important to derive maximum use of data obtained from their own telescopes. This is not only related to maximizing science returns on capital investment, but also to maximizing science output. In this paper we describe how we are utilizing software tools to realize this goal. This paper discusses the design and main features of our software tools, and planned future developments. The primary vehicle for general data interpretation is through various interactive techniques of data visualization. Our software employs an object oriented approach which facilitates data processing for experienced users as well as being easier to learn for novice users. This leads to greatly increased efficiency in every phase of data analysis. For developing countries the kind of software we are developing and the virtual observatory concept holds out the hope of advancing capability and efficiency in scientific research.

This contribution gives an overview of current research in applying object oriented programming to scientific computing at the computational mechanics laboratory (LABMEC) at the school of civil engineering – UNICAMP. The main goal of applying object oriented programming to scientific computing is to implement increasingly complex algorithms in a structured manner and to hide the complexity behind a simple user interface. The following areas are current topics of research and documented within the paper: hp-adaptive finite elements in one-, two- and three dimensions with the development of automatic refinement strategies, multigrid methods applied to adaptively refined finite element solution spaces and parallel computing.