EXHIBIT 23.1
                           TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the use of our report  dated  January 26,  2001,  in this
Annual  Report  (Form  10-K) of Trimble  Navigation  Limited  for the year ended
December 29, 2000.

         We also consent to the  incorporation  by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 Nos.  33-37384,  33-39647,  33-45167,  33-45604,  33-46719,
33-50944,  33-57522,   33-62078,   33-78502,   33-84362,  33-91858,   333-04670,
333-28429,  333-53703,  333-84949  and  333-38264)  pertaining to the 1983 Stock
Option  Plan,  the Trimble  Navigation  Savings and  Retirement  Plan,  the 1990
Director  Stock Option Plan,  the "Position  for Us for Progress"  1992 Employee
Stock Bonus Plan, the 1992  Management  Discount Stock Option Plan, and the 1993
Stock Option Plan, and the related Prospectuses, of our report dated January 26,
2001 with  respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule of
Trimble  Navigation  Limited  included in the Annual  Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 29, 2000.



                                                  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, California
March 27, 2001


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