EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
on Form S-8  pertaining  to the 1988 Employee  Stock  Purchase Plan and the 1993
Stock Option Plan of Trimble  Navigation Limited of our report dated January 25,
2000 with  respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule of
Trimble  Navigation  Limited  included in its Annual  Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Palo Alto, California
May 31, 2000


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