Abstract. Based on the case Nanjing Metro Line 4, the method Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to study the influence of ground settlement by shield tunnel construction on different geomorphology units. Correlation analysis and weighted least square method (WLS) were applied for variables selection and to obtain their relationship with settlement. 5-7 principal components could be used to present the initial 19-21 variables after decreasing the dimensions of data. For the floodplain of Yangtze River, variable parameters that highly linearly dependent on settlement were depth of tunnel, distance between the roof of tunnel and the bottom of soft soil layer, thickness of soft soil, compression modulus of soil that tunnel passed through and speed of the cutter head. For the Qinhuai ancient channel, variable parameters were Poisson's ratio, porosities, moisture content, unit weight, cohesion, internal friction angle, compression modulus of soil that tunnel passed through, advancing speed, earth chamber pressure. For the terrace of Yangtze River, variable parameters were cohesion, porosities, moisture content, Poisson's ratio, compression modulus and unit weight of soil. In addition, for the geomorphology unit with col landform, variable parameters were different. Residuals of regression formula are small, which will have certain reference value in practical engineering.