Network macroscopic fundamental diagrams (NMFD) and related network-level traffic dynamics models have received both theoretical support and empirical validation with the emergence of new data collection technologies. However, the extent to which network-level macroscopic traffic models may be ready for practical implementation remains to be ascertained. This paper aims to shed light on this matter by reviewing the 50-year history of macroscopic modeling of urban networks and assessing remaining gaps and opportunities for further development of both theory and applications. To this end, the existing literature’s chronology is mapped onto three eras of development, and the corresponding theories, assumptions, and limitations are outlined and discussed in two streams, equilibrium relations and traffic dynamics. Among the topics pertaining to equilibrium relations, the highlighted gaps include the lack of empirical studies on the hysteresis and bifurcation phenomena, the existence of multi-modal NMFD (3D-NMFD) in different traffic conditions, the factors that might affect the (3D-) NMFD shape, the accuracy of speed-NMFDs in particular different bus speed NMFDs, and the passenger-oriented NMFDs. Research gaps pertaining to traffic dynamics include the analytical solution of trip-based models, the FIFO violation in the delay-based models, the definition of outflow and entrance functions, the notion of active network length, the trip length distribution, and the path flow distribution. Future research directions targeting topics that might shape the potential next era include the practical implementation of NMFD-based control strategies, the application of NMFD in quality of service assessments, and NMFD in the presence of new technologies such as connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs).

随着新数据收集技术的出现，网络宏观基本图（NMFD）和相关的网络级流量动力学模型得到了理论支持和实证验证。然而，网络级宏观流量模型在多大程度上可以为实际实施做好准备仍有待确定。本文旨在通过回顾城市网络宏观建模 50 年的历史并评估理论和应用进一步发展的剩余差距和机会来阐明这一问题。为此，将现有文献的年表映射到三个发展时代，并在均衡关系和交通动态两个方面概述和讨论了相应的理论、假设和局限性。在与平衡关系相关的主题中，突出的差距包括缺乏对滞后和分叉现象的实证研究、不同交通条件下多模态 NMFD (3D-NMFD) 的存在、可能影响 (3D- ) NMFD 形状，速度 NMFD 的准确性，特别是不同巴士速度的 NMFD，以及面向乘客的 NMFD。与交通动态有关的研究空白包括基于行程的模型的解析解、基于延迟的模型中的 FIFO 违规、流出和入口函数的定义、活动网络长度的概念、行程长度分布和路径流量分布。针对可能塑造潜在下一个时代的主题的未来研究方向包括基于 NMFD 的控制策略的实际实施，