TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
                                  EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the use of our report  dated  January 27, 1998 in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) of Trimble  Navigation  Limited for the year ended January 2,
1998.

 
     We also  consent to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  Registration
Statement  (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, and
333-28429)  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  27,  1998  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 January 2, 1998.





     /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
     Palo Alto, California 
     March 27, 1998
 




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