

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(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 26,
1999 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 1, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                            /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Palo Alto, California
August 11, 1999



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