An improved method of least-squares parameter estimation with pumping-test data

Least-squares estimation of storativity and transmissivity from pumping-test data has been concerned with finding the lowest point on a mathematical surface. Since there is no guarantee that such surfaces do not contain local minima, the accuracy of the estimate may be dependent upon the selection of “good” initial values.

An improved estimation procedure can be obtained by converting the two-dimensional minimisation problem into an equivalent form in one dimension. The resulting line function can then be easily evaluated through any given feasible interval. This approach avoids the requirement of initial estimates and always returns the true estimates after a single computation sequence.

Examples are given of the application of the method to both drawdown and recovery data, together with a simple model for the determination of estimation error.