EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" in the
Registration  Statement  (Form S-3,  Registration  No.  333-76986)  and  related
Prospectus  of Trimble  Navigation  Limited for the  registration  of  3,676,013
shares of its common stock and to the  incorporation by reference therein of our
report  dated  January 25,  2002,  except for the  paragraphs  under the caption
"Subordinated  Note" of Note 11 and Note 23,  as to which  the date is March 20,
2002,  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 December 28, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                -------------------------------

Palo Alto, California
April 5, 2002