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 27,  1998 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 January 2, 1998.


                                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Palo Alto, California
May 22, 1998



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