Can optimal power be calculated by using the GSA IDW in Model Builder?

[BeatrizMogollon]

I have to derive 36 IDW interpolations for 36 years.  I was using the Geostatistical Analyst Wizard to calculate for each year the optimal power (that reduces the RMSE).  However, I was having to do this for each layer as there was no option under the IDW in the Geostatistical Analyst Toolbox to do this (always defaults to 2). 

Is there any way that I can  run IDW on all 36 years in model builder - such that is is calculating the optimal power?

Any suggestions welcomed!

[SteveLynch]

One way would be to iterate through some power values and use the CrossValidation tool to get the RMSE value. The power value associated with the lowest RMSE is the optimal power value.

[BeatrizMogollon]

You mean running all 36 layers in model builder with a Power of 1, 1.5 and 2; and seeing what gives me the lowest RMSE?

(Wouldn't that take more time than going through the Wizard to calculate the optimal power for each year?)

[SteveLynch]

and if you had 100,000 datasets....

The script or Modelbuilder can be used if you want to automate the procedure.

Steve