The algorithms are proposed for determining the integral and local reference (calibration) values of the optical characteristics for three models using the information contained from the backscattering signals themselves. These algorithms do not require more simplifying and modeling assumptions about the optical properties of the medium than it is needed for the performance of known methods of determining the profiles of the optical characteristics along the path under investigation. It is shown that practically all the atmospheric and hydrospheric situations obey the applicability criteria of one of these algorithms.