Footings
Footings are usually constructed  from brick, they are the base on which a timber floor is laid.
Most commonly used on sloping blocks of land.
Here is an example of the basics of a footing lay out, very basic, but it gives you the idea of what its about.
Footing Layout
Google Sketchup required to view the file, download it free here.
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Make sure that you you work out the heights before you start laying otherwise things will end up like this sorry looking pier with a Brick On Edge in the middle of it.
Bad Pier

Bad Pier