Sterm was born in 1784 to Peter Severin Sterm and Anne MarieBjørn. His father owned Vejen Watermill. He later bought Hanne-vanggård at Vejle.
Written works
Sterm worked on a comprehensive topographical work about Denmark and Slesvig-Holsten-Lauenburg. The first volume was published in 1831 as Topographie over Frederiksborg Amt. It was later followed by Statistisk-topographisk Beskrivelse over Kjøbenhavns Amt, Vol. I–III. It was published with economic support from the politician CarlSimony. His next publication was Statistisk-topographisk Beskrivelse over Hoved- og Residentsstaden Kjøbenhavn, Vol 1O-OOO. Other publications include a series of maps of the districts of Copenhagen from 18301841.