In tomographic statics seismic data processing, it is crucial to determine an optimum base for a near-surface model. In this paper, we consider near-surface model base determination as a global optimum problem. Given information from uphole shooting and the first-arrival times from a surface seismic survey, we present a near-surface velocity model construction method based on a Monte-Carlo sampling scheme using a layered equivalent medium assumption. Compared with traditional least-squares first-arrival tomography, this scheme can delineate a clearer, weathering-layer base, resulting in a better implementation of datuming correction. Examples using synthetic and field data are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]