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 66