15:20 Mar 23, 2011 

it's a "base map", let's say a street map which is used to produce other maps showing (overlain on the streets) water, sewage, gas, electricity networks, etc. So I imagine here it is a background over which all subsequent text is printed. A bit like a watermark.

08:38 Mar 23, 2011 

It can be drawing sheet too

08:30 Mar 23, 2011 

My first idea was 'background' too....

08:11 Mar 23, 2011 

Thanks, Tony. "Master background" could work. Template, perhaps?

08:07 Mar 23, 2011 

...I wouldn't have thought it was a footer here; I'd have imagined it was the 'arrière plan' or I suppose 'master background' used for all pages (if indeed that is the case?)