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 29