A line generating device may include a housing having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a rear surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and a side surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a support assembly mounted within the housing. In addition, the device may include a light source mounted on the support assembly, and a lens for receiving light and projecting the light in the shape of a fan within a plane. The light plane exits through the front surface. The device is disposable on a reference surface on the bottom, rear and side surfaces.