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) and related  Prospectus of Trimble Navigation
Limited  for the  registration  of its  common  stock up to a maximum  aggregate
offering price of $100,000,000 and to the  incorporation by reference therein of
our report dated January 24, 2003,  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 3, 2003, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California
March 4, 2003