The Within-Layer Continuity Prior Information pane is on the PEST Properties dialog box under Prior Information.
ModelMuse can automatically create prior information equations related to the the horizontal continuity of pilot point values associated with parameters. This pane is where the user can choose to include such prior information equations.
At the top of the pane is the Use within-layer value prior information checkbox. If the check box is checked, the within-layer continuity prior information equations will be included in the PEST control file.
The prior information equations will only be written between nearby pilot points. The Search distance and Maximum number of pilot points jointly determine the pairs of pilot points between which a prior information equation will be specified. All the pilot points for a parameter within Search distance of a specific pilot point for that parameter will be considered candidates for a prior information equation. Prior information equations will be written for the ones that are closest to the pilot point up to the Maximum number of pilot points. In the case of ties between pilot point distances, if any of the pilot points will be used for a prior information equation, they all will.
The pane contains a table with four columns.
The Parameter Name column lists all the unfixed and untied parameters that are associated with pilot points.
The Define Prior Information column specifies that the user wishes to specify prior information equations for the pilot point values associated with the parameter.
The Observation Group Name column specifies the observation group to which the user wishes to assign the prior information equations.
The Weight column species the weight that will be assigned to each of the prior information equations.
To check all the check boxes in the Define Prior Information column, click the button above the table.