[Qgis-user] 1. Best version for novice and 2. chained on-the-fly transformations

[Andrea Giudiceandrea]

> Tom Haws tom.haws at gmail.com
> Thu May 8 12:47:53 PDT 2025

> After installing OSGEO4W, I am having the following issues:
> 1. There are six versions of QGIS in my Windows Start Menu, and I don't
> know which one to run.

Hi Tom,
the installation guide says:

***
Download OSGeo4W Installer and run it.

Choose Express Install and select QGIS to install the latest release 
and/or QGIS LTR to install the long term release.

Alternatively, instead of doing the Express install, you can use the 
Advanced Install, navigate to the Desktop section and pick one or more 
of the following packages:
....
***

It's up to you to decide which version of QGIS to install. It looks like 
you have decided to install all the available QGIS versions.

> 2. There is a new folder Desktop\OSGeo4W that has only shortcuts (over 30)
> in it. I don't know if I can safely delete it.

Not sure what do you mean with "safely".
If the folder contains over 30 shortcuts, I guess you have installed 
every single package available through OSGeo4W. That is not recommanded 
and not needed.

> 3. If I start 3.40.6,
>   a. the splash screen says it is "Long Term Release".


This is correct.

 From the "Download" web page:

"The long-term builds currently provide 3.40.6 'Bratislava'. Long Term 
Release (LTR) builds are intended for those who value stability over 
having the latest features. If you are unsure which version is best for 
you, download the LTR."


>     i. When I set the CRS to WGS84 (EPSG:4978) and try to add a raster
> layer on EPGS:6341, I am getting this error message: "No transform is
> available between NAD83(2011) / UTM zone 12N + NAVD88 height and EPSG:4978
> - WGS 84.

First of all, are you sure you actually need to use the Geocentric CRS 
EPSG:4978 WGS 84? Usually the Geographic CRS EPSG:4326 WGS 84 is used.

Anyway, based on your other message, I guess the issue may be due to the 
fact that in your OSGeo4W installation, the PROJ library related 
packages are not up-to-date.

Regards.

Andrea